Predicting Encounter Rates for Zooplankton: A Model Assuming a Cylindrical Encounter Field

Abstract

We delimit a cylindrical attack field for a Chaoborus larva feeding on zooplankton, and propose a mathematical model to predict encounter rates with prey for this ambush predator. The model is based on the encounter process between a stationary cylinder and spheres moving at constant velocity in random directions. The predictions of the model are corroborated in the laboratory.Key words: zooplankton, encounter model, Chaoborus, ambush predator, copepod