Lecture 15

Question 1

Optimality Theory

Answer 1

Predicts that an adaptation should have a greater cost-benefit ratio than
any alternatives that have been replaced by natural selection

Question 2

Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT)

Answer 2

predicts that natural selection favors foraging behavior that maximizes fitness.

Question 3

Optimal diet model

Answer 3

predicts the food types
that an animal should include in its diet

Question 4

Handling time

Answer 4

time to manipulate food items prior to consumption

Question 5

Profitability

Answer 5

the energy of food item/handling time

Question 6

Williams et al. (2003): Bobwhites and covey size

Answer 6

They winter in small groups called coveys (2-22, 11 mean), which leads to increased competition for food but allows for increased vigilance and reaction time. Above of below groups w 11 individuals move more.

Question 7

Optimal Diet Model example with hypothetical food types.

Question 8

Zach (1978): Northwest Crows maximize energy intake.

Answer 8

The number of times that a whelk is dropped does
not affect the probability that it will break!
However, finding a new whelk (search time) takes
time and energy

Clams > 30 mm were almost
always eaten
• Clams < 28 mm were almost
always rejected

Question 9

Kaspari, Chang, & Weaver (2010): Sodium limitation and feeding behavior of ants

Answer 9

Close to the road, <10% of vials
visited by ants contained NaCl
• Ants recruited to NaCl vials more
strongly as distance to the road
increased
Conclusion: Sodium limitation
affects feeding behavior