An experimental investigation of a flagellate‐ciliate‐copepod food chain with some observations relevant to the linear biomass hypothesis

Abstract

Predation by copepods ( Euterpina acutifrons ) on ciliates ( Lohmanniella spiralis ) and by ciliates on flagellates was followed during a 12‐day experiment in a small enclosed ecosystem (100 liters). For a period of about 4 days the three populations seemed to exist in a state of quasi‐equilibrium with growth balanced by predation. During this time, material transfer from prey to predator was taking place with an efficiency of 30–40%.