SGT behaviour and optimality (15/12)

Question 1

What is optimality?

(2 marks)

Answer 1

Extent to which traits are adpated to phsyical and social world.

Adaptive value of different behaviorual options can be compared by cost:benefit analysis

Question 2

What is long term optimality?

Answer 2

Traits that maximise genetic contribution to next generation can measure with number of offspring produced

Question 3

What is short term optimality?

Answer 3

Measuring traits we can measure in short term e.g. no. of mates, foraging success

Question 4

What is the marginal value theorem?

Answer 4

An optimality model that usually describes the behavior of an optimally foraging individual in a system where resources are located in discrete patches separated by areas with no resources.

Question 5

Explain what the food depletion curve is in the marginal value theorem.

(3 marks)

Answer 5

• Look at trait i.e. no. of prey captured
• Curve shows the amount of prey captured within a time frame
• But after all prey is captured will start to plateau off

Question 6

What assumptions - about birds in particular - does the optimality model clarify?

(3 marks)

Answer 6

• Assumptions about the choices birds have
• Assumes birds maximises energy gain
• Assumptions about constraints

Question 7

What are some constraints on behaving optimaly?

(4 marks)

Answer 7

• Genetic variation of behaviour of animal dependent on mutation rate
• Variable physical environment
• Variable biological environment (red queen effect)
• Trade-offs between behaviour