Abstract
A feeding model for a generalized, benthic deposit feeder is derived from a filter‐feeding model and used to predict how such a deposit feeder would adjust its feeding to maximize its net energy gain. Under the assumption that deposit feeders are utilizing the bacterial fraction of the sediment or other surface organic coatings as food, the model predicts that the smallest particles should always be ingested, while the selection of larger particles depends on several parameters, including gut passage time and assimilation efficiency of the deposit feeder. The model also predicts relationships among particle size selection, assimilation efficiency, gut passage time, gut volume, and particle rejection costs.
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