The role of intracellular components in food chain dynamics
Hanegraaf, P.P.F., Kooi, B.W. and Kooijman, S.A.L.M. 2000
The role of intracellular components in food chain dynamics.
C. R. Acad. Sci. Ser. III 1233: 99 - 111
Abstract
The dynamics of a simple food web, including multiple substrates and
predator-prey interactions, is studied. An individual-based model is
presented that describes the intracellular composition of the biomass
of each population with two components: reserves and structural
biomass. The model describes the simultaneous uptake of multiple
substrates via specific carriers and their assimilation into reserve
energy via multiple assimilation pathways. The available energy is
used for maintenance and growth. Parameters are estimated by
curve-fitting data from the literature under the condition that the
elemental balances and the enthalpy balances are met. The proposed
model provides an adequate description of the macromolecular
composition of biomass. The model is not too complicated to be of use
in the study of food webs. The consequences of the presence of
intracellular components in a food web on its long-term dynamics are
investigated with bifurcation analysis.