Contents Foraging
Foraging theory is based on the assumption that animals search for and obtain nutrients in a way that maximizes their energy intake per unit time spent foraging. Hence, they try to maximize a function like {E\over T} (or they maximize their long-term average rate of energy in-take). Maximization of such a function provides nutrient sources to survive and additional time for other important activities (e.g., fighting, fleeing, mating, reproducing, sleeping, or shelter building). Shelter-building and mate-finding activities sometimes bear similarities to foraging. Clearly, foraging is very different for different species. Herbivores generally find food easily but must eat a lot of it. Carnivores generally find it difficult to locate food but do not have to eat as much since their food is of high energy value. The “environment” establishes the pattern of nutrients that are available (e.g., via what other organisms are nutrients available, geological constraints such as rivers and mountains, and weather patterns), and it places constraints on obtaining that food (e.g., small portions of food may be separated by large distances). During foraging there can be risks due to predators, the prey may be mobile so it must be chased, and the physiological characteristics of the forager constrain its capabilities and ultimate success.
