Abstract |
An attempt is described to simulate a particular trophic chain in Cayuga Lake. The chain, consisting of phytoplankton, zooplankton, alewives and lake trout, was selected primarily because it is largely independent of other inhabitants of the lake, and represents a complete food chain running from primary producer to final predator. The primary objectives were: to formulate a model displaying a behavior similar to that observed in the species populations in the trophic chain; to test the behavior of this model under variation of its parameters; and to use the model as a guide in developing programs for future research, both theoretical and in the field. |