Solutions for functional response experiments

Functional response is an important factor in ecological processes. Many empirical studies have characterized functional responses based on model selection procedures. However, relatively few models have been considered in such studies. This may be partly because methods for characterizing general functional response models are not well known. In this study, we present the derivation of explicit and implicit solutions for a wide class of functional response models which includes predator-dependent models and flexible trait models. These solutions can facilitate the future characterizations of functional responses in empirical studies.

► Implicit and explicit solutions for the expected number of prey eaten in common functional response experiments are derived. ► The solutions allow researchers to examine a number of functional response models. ► A computer function for facilitating the application of these results to model estimation is provided.