Behavior is sensible but not globally optimal: Seeking common ground in the optimality debate

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Decision Theory

Background:

• The concept of optimality is frequently used in behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology to explain animal behavior.
• Commentators often disagree on the interpretation and application of optimality models.
• These disagreements can obscure underlying consensus in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the sources of disagreement in the optimality debate.
• To clarify the different meanings and applications of the term 'optimality'.
• To identify common ground in the study of behavior using optimality principles.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the term 'optimality'.
• Review of literature employing optimality considerations.
• Distinguishing between different usages of optimality in scientific discourse.

Main Results:

• The term 'optimality' is used with at least four distinct meanings: sensible behavior, globally optimal behavior, locally optimal behavior, and optimality as an empirical strategy.
• Inconsistent application of these different concepts fuels much of the debate.
• Recognizing these distinctions reveals substantial agreement among researchers.

Conclusions:

• Resolving the optimality debate requires precise definition and consistent application of the term.
• A clearer understanding of optimality concepts can foster greater consensus in behavioral and evolutionary studies.
• The framework presented facilitates a more unified approach to studying adaptive behavior.