Modelling the life cycle of Salpa thompsoni

摘要: Abstract Salpa thompsoni is an important grazer in the Southern Ocean. It found from Subtropical Convergence southward to coastal Antarctic Seas but being most abundant Polar Frontal Zone. Low temperatures appear negatively affect their development, limiting ability occur krill dominated high ecosystems. Yet reports indicate that with ocean warming S. have experienced a shift distribution. As they are efficient filter feeders, this can result large-scale changes Ocean ecosystem by increasing competitive or predatory interactions krill. To explore salp bloom dynamics size-structured population model was developed growth, consumption, reproduction and mortality rates dependent on temperature chlorophyll conditions. The largest uncertainties ecology individual growth rates, recent study identifying possibility life cycle could be much shorter than previously considered. Here we run suite of hypothesis scenarios under various environmental conditions determine appropriate rate. Temperature were sufficient drivers recreate seasonal interannual populations at two locations. suitable suggests mean likely ∼1 mm body length d−1, 2-fold higher previous calculations. biomass bud release time, larger years corresponding occurring during favorable conditions; survival blastozooids resulting embryo release. This confirms it necessary for reproductive flexible order adapt varying provides framework examine how future might respond climate change.