Inverse model method for estimating assimilation by aquatic invertebrates

Physiological data indicate that a 3-compartment model appropriately represents ingestion, assimilation, and accumulation of somatic and reproductive tissue by an aquatic invertebrate predator. A secondary production model calibrated to growth and respiration data is used to constrain the model equations. Inverse solution methods are used to estimate rate constants for digestion and for net accrual of tissue by growing animals at different temperatures. Predicted time to 50% maximum digestion matches well with the empirical rate of digestion of prey enzymes in the predator gut. Model-derived digestion rates are consistent with the assimilation rate constant obtained by independent radiotracer methods, and with experimental detection time for prey enzymes. The model approach permits parameter estimation within a complex system of equations so that results can be compared with experimental data.