Zooplankton-phytoplankton interactions simulated by combining distinct modeling approaches in the Norwegian Sea

Calanus finmarchicus is the dominant herbivorous mesozooplankton in the Norwegian Sea and has the potential for impacting strongly on the population dynamics of phytoplankton. We have developed a novel individual based Calanus model with simulated evolution of behavioural traits, including vertical migration strategies and timing of ontogenetic migrations. The results show that the simulated Calanus population is able to remain viable in the Norwegian Sea basin over hundreds of years and evolves a life history that resembles the observed life history of C. finmarchicus