The effects of temperature on population dynamics of Daphnia magna : a modelling study

In this study, the effects of temperature on population dynamics of Daphnia magna are examined using a mathematical model based on the dynamics of individual daphnid. Relationships between temperature and physiological parameters of the organisms are modelled using two exponential forms. Upper and lower survival threshold temperatures are found by means of multiple computer simulations at various constant temperatures. Optimal biomass production is examined and the optimal temperature that maximizes population biomass is also found. The effect of seasonality on the total biomass of the population is also studied by considering temperature as a function of time.