A class of patch-use strategies

Abstract

A class of models for economic, or optimal, foraging in a patchy habitat is characterized. All models in the class share a number of ecologically important properties, but there are important differences, as well. These models are well suited to studying properties of a variety of simple behavioral rules which foragers might use in deciding when to leave a patch. Several extensions and limitations of the class are also pointed out. © 1983 by the American Society of Zoologists.