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Modeling behavioral adaptations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 May 2011

Colin W. Clark
Affiliation:
Institute of Applied Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Y4, Canada, Electronic mail: userbiec@ubcmtsg.bitnet

Abstract

Optimization models have often been useful in attempting to understand the adaptive significance of behavioral traits. Originally such models were applied to isolated aspects of behavior, such as foraging, mating, or parental behavior. In reality, organisms live in complex, ever-changing environments, and are simultaneously concerned with many behavioral choices and their consequences. This target article describes a dynamic modeling technique that can be used to analyze behavior in a unified way. The technique has been widely used in behavioral studies of insects, fish, birds, mammals, and other organisms. The models use biologically meaningful parameters and variables, and lead to testable predictions. Limitations arise because nature's complexity always exceeds our modeling capacity.

Information

Type
Target Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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