A REVIEW OF 2 RECENT PREDATION-RATE MODELS - THE DOME-SHAPED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEEDING RATE AND SHEAR RATE APPEARS UNIVERSAL

Two predation-rate models are reviewed: one, a stochastic model by Mac Kenzie et al. (1994) applies to the scales of intermediate and fully t urbulent deformation; the other, a deterministic model by Jenkinson an d Wyatt (1992) applies to the scales of laminar shear. Both models pre dict that predation rate should be a dome-shaped function of deformati on rate. This is because, above a given deformation rate, some of the prey entering the model predator's perception zone (reactive field) is carried out of perception distance (reactive distance) again before t he predator can catch it. Using the concept of the Deborah number, it is shown that both models agree well at the interface between their re spective domains. This adds credibility to both models and suggests th at the dome-shaped function applies across all scales. (C) 1995 Intern ational Council for the Exploration of the Sea