Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter
Published on: March 12, 2013
Trait-mediated trophic interactions: is foraging theory keeping up?
Steven F Railsback1, Bret C Harvey
1Humboldt State University, Department of Mathematics, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521, USA. steven.railsback@humboldt.edu
Abstract:
Many ecologists believe that there is a lack of foraging theory that works in community contexts, for populations of unique individuals each making trade-offs between food and risk that are subject to feedbacks from behavior of others. Such theory is necessary to reproduce the trait-mediated trophic interactions now recognized as widespread and strong. Game theory can address feedbacks but does not provide foraging theory for unique individuals in variable environments. 'State- and prediction-based theory' (SPT) is a new approach that combines existing trade-off methods with routine updating: individuals regularly predict future food availability and risk from current conditions to optimize a fitness measure. SPT can reproduce a variety of realistic foraging behaviors and trait-mediated trophic interactions with feedbacks, even when the environment is unpredictable.
Related Concept Videos
Optimal Foraging
Predator-Prey Interactions
Trophic Efficiency
Microbial Interactions: Predation
Trophic Levels
Symbiosis
