Foraging mode and prey size spectra of suspension-feeding copepods and other zooplankton
Abstract
Prey size spectra of suspension-feeding zooplankton may be predicted from foraging mode and a mechanistic understanding of prey perception and capture. I examine this for suspension-feeding copepods where 2 foraging modes can be distinguished: ambush feeding and active (i.e. cruising and feeding-current) feeding. Prey perception mechanisms differ between the 2 foraging modes. I use simple arguments to predict that the ambush strategy targets larger prey and has a narrower prey size spectrum than the cruising and feeding-current feeding strategies. I compile data from the literature that confirm the prediction. I also make qualitative predictions of food size spectra in zooplankton with other prey perception mechanisms that accord with observations.
Info
Journal Article, 2016
UN SDG Classification
DK Main Research Area
Science/Technology
