| Abstract | Dynamic energy budgets model how individuals consume and utilize energy for growth, reproduction, and survival. These models make testable predictions about how an individual will function in a given environment, help explain observed behaviors, and link processes at the individual level (molecular, cellular, and/or organism level) to processes at the population and ecosystem levels. Spiders are a major component of many ecosystems, and modeling their energy budgets will aid in understanding this important predator. In this presentation, we develop a prototype mathematical model for orb-weaving spider energy budgets. The energy budget of any organism is expressed, at a basic level, as incoming energy minus outgoing energy. Outgoing energy is partitioned between three basic functions: growth, maintenance, and reproduction. This preliminary model focuses on the change in mass over time with the overall goal of maximizing reproduction. We have simulated a number of models with varying approaches to the costs and benefits of web building and maintenance. Validation experiments are planned for the lab as well as the field. Future enhancements to the model, adding complexity, are also planned. |
|---|
