Optimal Foraging Theory

Optimal foraging theory is an idea in ecology based on the study of foraging behaviour and states that organisms forage in such a way as to maximize their net energy intake per unit time. In other words, they behave in such a way as to find, capture and consume food containing the most calories while expending the least amount of time possible in doing so. The understanding of many ecological concepts such as adaptation, energy flow and competition hinges on the ability to comprehend what food items animals select, and why.

MacArthur and Pianka (1966) developed a theoretical and empirical construct, the optimal foraging theory (OFT), which led to a better understanding of foraging behavior. Emlen (1966) published a paper on foraging behavior at the same time . Although it was different in detail, it demonstrated the need for a model where food item selection of animals could be understood as an evolutionary construct which maximizes the net energy gained per unit feeding time. Since its original conception, there have been many papers and books published mentioning OFT which have made important contributions to a number of disciplines including ecology, psychology and anthropology. Some of these additions include papers from Earl Werner (1974), Eric Charnov (1974, 1976, 1977), Krebs (1972, 1974, 1977, 1985), Smith (1966, 1974), Ricklefs (1973), Schoener (1969, 1971, 1974, 1983), Pyke (1977, 1984), Krebs, Stephens & Sutherland (1983) and Stephens & Krebs (1986). Recently, scholars have connected optimal foraging theory to prospect theory, noting that survival thresholds might be responsible for human attitudes towards risk (McDermott et al. 2008).

The following is an outline of MacArthur and Pianka’s model.