Author:
Carpenter Stephen R.,Lathrop Richard C.,Muñoz-del-Rio Alejandro
Abstract
Alternative models for the dynamics of edible phytoplankton were compared using long-term data from mesotrophic Paul Lake and eutrophic Lake Mendota. Alternative models fit to the data contrasted linear versus logistic algal growth, type I versus type II functional response, and prey-dependent versus ratio-dependent predation. In both lakes, the model with lowest prediction error had logistic algal growth and a type I, prey-dependent functional response. Under these models, the spring bloom and clear-water phase of productive lakes can be explained as an incomplete predator–prey cycle: the spring pulse of edible algae is followed by a peak of Zooplankton; then, edible algae are overgrazed leading to the clear-water phase and collapse of the grazer biomass. This study demonstrates the use of time series data at the ecosystem scale to identify process-based models, contrast alternative models on a probabilistic basis, and estimate parameters. This approach avoids the assumptions involved in extrapolating ecosystem models from smaller scale studies.
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing
Subject
Aquatic Science,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Cited by
19 articles.
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