Optimal foraging behavior with an explicit consideration of within-individual behavioral variation: an example of predation

Abstract

Animal behavior is flexible, and the same individual can exhibit variable expressions under the equivalent ecological situations (i.e., within-individual behavioral variation). This study examines the evolution of within-individual behavioral variation using an individual-based model. A common predation scenario is considered where a predator spends a period h to handle and consume a captured prey. The model assumes the handling time of the predator to be a random variable. The average and within-individual variance of handling time are described by l h and r 2 h , respectively, where each individual has its own unique l h and r 2 h . Using a genetic algorithm, the evolution of r 2 h is traced. The results show that natural selection acts on both l h and r 2 h , and the optimal behavioral variation depends on the density of prey. In particular, individuals with high behavioral variance r 2 h are more likely selected when prey density is low. Individual based modeling can be a useful tool for studying the ultimate significance of within-individual behavioral variation and generating empirically testable predictions. The mechanisms of the evolution of within-individual behavioral variation and their ecological implications are discussed.

Predator personality and prey behavioural predictability jointly determine foraging performance

“…Bell et al 24. estimated that about 63% of behavioural variation results from IIV, and theoretical studies have suggested that it may be a trait on which selection can also act1925, but empirical studies on the effects of IIV on animal fitness are scarce. Intra-individual variability may be a form of adaptive variation in behaviour related to predator-prey interactions either to facilitate trial-and-error learning or to reduce vulnerability to predators21.…”

Behavioral predictability in a lynx spider is interactively influenced by mean behavior, prey density, and an insecticide

“…In other words, this is the degree to which an individual behaves differently in identical situations. Predictability has started to gain more attention only recently and therefore its adaptive function and the factors that influence it remain poorly understood ( Pruitt et al 2011 ; Stamps et al 2012 ; Biro and Adriaenssens 2013 ; Westneat et al 2015 ; Okuyama 2015 ; Stamps 2016 ).…”

El coste de la supervivencia en las poblaciones humanas del Pleistoceno

“…Los modelos de forrajeo óptimo han sido ampliamente utilizados para evaluar la manera en la que el comportamiento de un individuo puede afectar a la aptitud biológica en base a los costes y beneficios de obtener recursos (Bettinger et al, 2015;Bird y O'Connell, 2006;Byers y Ugan, 2005;Marlowe, 2005;Okuyama, 2015;Rodríguez et al, 2019;Simms, 1985;Smith y Winterhalder, 1992). En este sentido, cabe señalar que incluso ligeros cambios en el balance energético debido a un incremento en los costes de la actividad física pueden ser determinantes para el éxito reproductivo (Caldwell y Hooper, 2017;Urlacher y Kramer, 2018).…”