[Trophic function of phytophagous rotifers (Rotatoria). Experiment and modelling]

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Aquatic Ecology
• Zoology

Context:

• Investigates predator-prey dynamics in aquatic ecosystems.
• Focuses on herbivorous rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus, Philodina acuticornis) feeding on microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus quadricauda, Synechocistis sp.).
• Utilizes laboratory monocultures to control experimental variables.

Purpose:

• To evaluate and compare predator-dependent trophic functions for modeling herbivore feeding rates.
• To determine the most suitable functional response model for phytophagous rotifers.
• To assess the applicability of ratio-dependent versus prey-dependent models in this context.

Summary:

• Three predator-dependent trophic functions were fitted to experimental data on individual rotifer ration.
• A generalized ratio-dependent function, approximating Holling type II at low densities, provided the best fit.
• The Arditi-Ginzburg ratio-dependent function effectively models rotifer trophic interactions, as ration depends on the microalgae-to-consumer abundance ratio.

Impact:

• Provides a refined model for understanding and predicting feeding behavior in zooplankton.
• Contributes to ecological modeling of aquatic food webs.
• Highlights the importance of ratio-dependent interactions in predator-prey systems.