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Prey density, value, and spatial distribution affect the efficiency of area-concentrated search
Kamil A Bartoń1, Thomas Hovestadt
1Field Station, University of Würzburg, Glashüttenstrasse 5, Fabrikschleichach, D-96181 Rauhenebrach, Germany. kamil.barton@uni-wuerzburg.de
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|September 22, 2012
Summary
Organisms use area-concentrated-search (ACS) to find food. Switching between intensive and extensive search based on satiety optimizes foraging efficiency, especially in patchy environments.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Ecology
- Foraging Theory
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Foraging animals must decide where and how long to search for food.
- Detecting prey can indicate nearby food sources, prompting intensified search efforts.
- Area-concentrated-search (ACS) is a strategy involving switching between intensive and extensive search patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of area-concentrated-search (ACS) control parameters on foraging efficiency.
- To explore how prey spatial distribution, density, and value influence optimal search strategies.
- To model the relationship between an organism's internal state (satiety) and search behavior.
Main Methods:
- Simulations of individuals performing ACS using a correlated random walk with variable directional persistence.
- Modeling the switching between intensive (low persistence) and extensive (high persistence) search as a function of satiety.
- Analyzing the effects of 'switching level' and 'switchover shape' parameters on search efficiency across various prey distributions and densities.
Main Results:
- The form of the switching strategy significantly impacts foraging efficiency, particularly in aggregated resource landscapes.
- Optimal search parameters were identified for most heterogeneous prey distributions, balancing intensive and extensive search.
- Optimal switching levels were higher in heterogeneous landscapes, and gradual switching was generally more profitable than abrupt switching.
Conclusions:
- Foraging efficiency is optimized by adjusting search intensity based on satiety and prey distribution.
- Movement parameters and switching strategies are crucial for efficient foraging in environments with aggregated resources.
- Prey spatial distribution and density are key factors determining optimal foraging strategies, while prey value has minimal impact.
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