Optimal Foraging

2021 ◽  
pp. 79-88
Author(s):  
John P. DeLong
Keyword(s):  
Functional Response ◽  
Optimal Foraging ◽  
Optimal Foraging Theory ◽  
Foraging Theory ◽  
Functional Responses ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Prey Model

This chapter is a refresher on the prey model of classic optimal foraging theory through the lens of this book. I build on the multi-species functional response, the selection ideas, and the parameter breakdown presented in the preceding chapters to argue for how optimal foraging might arise. I rederive the models and suggest that optimal foraging theory may still be relevant to understanding predator–prey interactions, in particular in the context of multi-species functional responses. I also address the possibility that predators mostly have broad diets because they experience low prey abundances most of the time in nature.

Are great tits (Parus major) really optimal foragers?

2003 ◽  
Vol 81 (5) ◽  
pp. 780-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Berec ◽  
Vlastimil Krivan ◽  
Ludek Berec
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Foraging ◽  
Parus Major ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Prey Type ◽  
Optimal Foraging Theory ◽  
Conveyor Belt ◽  
Critical Value ◽  
Foraging Theory ◽  
Functional Responses ◽  
Prey Model

In this study, we test the classical prey model of optimal-foraging theory with great tits (Parus major) feeding on two types of mealworms presented on a conveyor belt. Contrary to the results of some previous experiments, prey types were given to birds in random order, therefore birds could not predict their next prey item. We tested birds' diet choices at four different prey-encounter rates. Our results show that in 95% of cases great tits consumed the more profitable prey type upon encounter. On the other hand, consumption of the less profitable prey type did not differ statistically from the "always-attack" strategy in 77% of cases when the rate of encounter with the more profitable prey was below a critical value, and did differ from that strategy in 67% of cases when the rate of encounter with the more profitable prey was above that critical value. Contrary to predictions of the classical prey model of optimal-foraging theory, our birds never completely excluded the less profitable prey type from their diet. We also estimated the functional responses of individual birds with respect to the more profitable prey type; birds' diet changes occurred too slowly to make these functional responses stabilizing.

scholarly journals Global Stability of a Predator-Prey Model with Ivlev-Type Functional Response

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (99) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Yinshu Wu ◽  
Wenzhang Huang
Keyword(s):  
Global Stability ◽  
Functional Response ◽  
Local Stability ◽  
Positive Equilibrium ◽  
Functional Responses ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Predator Prey Model ◽  
Prey Model ◽  
Predator Prey Models ◽  
Global And Local

A predator-prey model with Ivlev-Type functional response is studied. The main purpose is to investigate the global stability of a positive (co-existence) equilibrium, whenever it exists. A recently developed approach shows that for certain classes of models, there is an implicitly defined function which plays an important rule in determining the global stability of the positive equilibrium. By performing a detailed analytic analysis we demonstrate that a crucial property of this implicitly defined function is governed by the local stability of the positive equilibrium, which enable us to show that the global and local stability of the positive equilibrium, whenever it exists, is equivalent. We believe that our approach can be extended to study the global stability of the positive equilibrium for predator-prey models with some other types of functional responses.

Fight for Life

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 693-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Clark ◽  
Matthew T. Begley
Keyword(s):  
Predation Risk ◽  
Optimal Foraging ◽  
Optimal Foraging Theory ◽  
Foraging Theory ◽  
Competitive Interactions ◽  
Predator Prey ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Ecological Concepts ◽  
Energy Trade ◽  
Giving Up Density

Optimal foraging theory explains that organisms whose foraging is as energetically efficient as possible should be favored by natural selection. However, many individuals must exhibit trade-offs between foraging and other factors in their environment (i.e., predation risk, competitive interactions). We present a hands-on activity for undergraduates using just a deck of cards, bingo chips, and dice to introduce ecological concepts of foraging theory, predator–prey interactions, and energy trade-offs. Specifically, this activity will focus on optimal foraging theory and giving-up density. Students should gain an understanding of how organisms balance predation risk and competitive interactions with energetic demands. Further, this activity can be scaled for nonmajors and introductory courses to introduce general ecological concepts, or for upper-division courses to explore advanced topics in foraging theory.

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