Food-Density Dependent Inefficiency In Animals With A Gut As A Stabilising Mechanism In Trophic Dynamics

Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 17 Dec 2008 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

This work indicates that the conventional simulation of the transfer of energy and resources through trophic systems may on occasion be seriously over estimated.

This is because of a failure to consider adequately the operation of the gut within consumers when consumers are confronted with food in excess or of inferior quality.

Under such conditions, assimilation efficiency declines, resulting in food-density dependent inefficiency. In consequence oscillations in food production, during good or bad years, are moderated as they pass through the food chain.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

• Additional
• References
• Citations