Modelling Particle Selection Efficiency of Bivalve Suspension Feeders

Abstract

The choice of an appropriate index to adequately describe the efficiency of pre-ingestive organic material selection is important for modelling the material flux within the suspension feeding process. Recently, a new selection efficiency index was suggested by Zemlys et al. (2003) which simplifies the quantification of the selection activity. A simple equation with interpretable parameters calculates the selection efficiency index using literature values of uptake rate and food quality. This analysis suggests the possibility of developing more general and biologically interpretable models.