A virtual mesocosm with artificial salps for exploring the conditions of swarm development in the pelagic tunicate Salpa fusiformis

Type : ACL
Nature : Production scientifique
Au bénéfice du Laboratoire : Oui
Statut de publication : Publié
Année de publication : 1997
Auteurs (1) : LAVAL Philippe
Revue scientifique : Marine Ecology-Progress Series
Volume : 154
Fascicule :
Pages : 1-16
DOI : 10.3354/meps154001
URL : -
Abstract : A virtual mesocosm is a software framework simulating a controlled oceanic environment. Artificial salps and their food are introduced into the mesocosm where their development can be watched on the computer screen. The artificial salps are software entities mimicking closely the life-history and behavior of their real counterparts (the tunicate Salpa fusiformis): they swim in the artificial space, where each individual feeds on the local resources; they metabolize, accumulate reserves, and grow; their reproduction alternates between asexual and sexual generations. Plausible values are given to 21 parameters characterizing their life-cycle and metabolism. A virtual mesocosm is in fact a model, focused upon individuals and their spatial interactions. The relationships present in the conceptual model are more completely and more precisely stated in a software design than in a mathematical model. Many computer experiments are possible with the artificial salps, without the difficult problems associated with the sampling and laboratory maintenance of the real, fragile, planktonic organisms. An example is given showing the effect of different spacing between food patches.
Mots-clés : artificial life; COMMUNITY; computer simulation; conceptual model; CONCURRENT; CUVIER TUNICATA; ECOLOGY; ECOSYSTEM; FILTRATION; LIGURIAN SEA; MEDITERRANEAN-SEA; MODELS; object-based design; THALIACEA
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Citation :
Laval P (1997) A virtual mesocosm with artificial salps for exploring the conditions of swarm development in the pelagic tunicate Salpa fusiformis. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 154: 1-16 | doi: 10.3354/meps154001