Abstract
A laboratory model of phosphorus release by Daphnia rosea was implemented for published zooplankton data from lakes characterized by different abundances of size-selective planktivores. Size-selective feeding reduces average prey size and increases P release per unit biomass. At the system level, decreased prey standing crop associated with higher planktivore abundance could balance the size dependent increase in P release rate. However, estimates of both net reduction and net increase in rate of P release from zooplankton resulted from model application. Size-selective feeding might be important not only in energetic or evolutionary relationships between predator and prey but also in determination of the relative importance of different pathways of phosphorus flow through pelagic systems.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.