| An ecophysiological deterministic model of growth, reproduction and interactions between the bivalve and its estuarine environ ment was established for the Japanese oyster Crassostrea gigas. The environmental variables used in the model are: total particulate matter, particulate organic matter, particulate inorganic matter, chlorophyll, phaeopigments, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Rates of clearance, filtration, ingestion, absorption and respiration along with efficiencies of retention, selection and absorption are modelled with endogenous (dry weight of the animal, energy allocation between growth and reproduction) and exogenous variables (temperature, food quality and quantity). The model simulate the temporal evolution of two compartments: somatic... |
