Prey selection based on predator/prey weight ratios for some northwest Atlantic fish

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Abstract
As part of the development of a compartmental ecosystem model of Georges Bank [USA] the characteristic ratios of predator-prey wt for 11 northwest Atlantic fish were calculated to aid in the empirical identification of trophic linkages. Distribution functions of preference scores demonstrate differences in prey preference (SCOREj = ln(wi/wj), where wi = predator wt; wj = prey wt). The mean of each distribution shows the predominant relative size ratio between the predator and its prey. The standard deviation of each distribution measures the degree to which the predator concentrates on prey of this size. A plot of the mean preference scores and their SD place different spp. into feeding groups or niches which are consistent with the observed diet of the predators.