Prey-abundance affects zooplankton assimilation efficiency and the outcome of biogeochemical models

► Aquatic ecosystem models assess important issues, e.g., carbon flux, global warming. ► Most of these assume zooplankton assimilation efficiency is constant, but it is not. ► We explore two model-types to assess variable assimilation efficiency impacts. ► Incorporating prey-dependent assimilation efficiency alter their dynamics. ► This work will stimulate theoreticians and empiricists to pursue this direction.