Biology / Unit 14 Bio 3629 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Foraging and Optimality
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The idea
Optimal foraging theory predicts selection favors foraging that maximizes net energy gain per time spent searching, handling, and consuming food.
In practice
A predator preferentially attacks the prey size yielding the greatest energy return for pursuit and handling time, not the largest prey available.
Where people slip
"Optimal" foraging is favored by selection, not consciously calculated by the animal.
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