Trait-mediated trophic interactions: is foraging theory keeping up?

Steven F. Railsback; Bret C. Harvey

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2012.08.023

Treesearch

Trait-mediated trophic interactions: is foraging theory keeping up?

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Steven F. Railsback, Bret C. Harvey

Year:

2013

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2012.08.023

Source:

Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 28(2): 119-125.

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Download (PDF 336 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/42647.pdf

Abstract

Many ecologists believe that there is a lack of foraging theory that works in community contexts, for populations of unique individuals each making trade-offs between food and risk that are subject to feedbacks from behavior of others. Such theory is necessary to reproduce the trait-mediated trophic interactions now recognized as widespread and strong. Game theory can address feedbacks but does not provide foraging theory for unique individuals in variable environments. ‘State and prediction-based theory’ (SPT) is a new approach that combines existing trade-off methods with routine updating: individuals regularly predict future food availability and risk from current conditions to optimize a fitness measure. SPT can reproduce a variety of realistic foraging behaviors and trait-mediated trophic interactions with feedbacks, even when the environment is unpredictable.

Keywords

individual-based models, foraging theory, trade-offs, trait-mediated trophic interactions

Citation

Railsback, Steven F.; Harvey, Bret C. 2013. Trait-mediated trophic interactions: is foraging theory keeping up? Trends in Ecology and Evolution. 28(2): 119-125.