This module allows the user to search for different types of prey items
of varying profitability. It allows students to systematically explore which factors
influence their "foraging behavior" and its relative optimality as predicted by
prey models of optimal foraging theory. The user is able to change
search time, energy gain and encounter rate for each prey item to examine the different
predictions of the model and how it should affect optimal choice behavior.
The prey model of foraging can be explained simply as "eat or
search on." When an animal encounters food, it must decide if it should attack or
continue searching. The food item will give the animal a specific amount of energy, but
the animal must use energy in handling the food. If food is scarce, the animal may take
what it can get, but if food is plentiful, it has the ability to pick and choose which
food will benefit it the most. In this module, you have the opportunity to take over this
role and experience these decisions for yourself. The amont and type of information
available for this decision can be controlled by various additional screens in the
program.
