Evol Ecol Res 3: 805-827 (2001)     Full PDF if your library subscribes.

Patterns of patch rejection in size-structured populations: beyond the ideal free distribution and size segregation

Frederick R. Adler,¹ Shane A. Richards² and André M. de Roos²

¹Department of Mathematics and Department of Biology, University of Utah, 155 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112–0900, USA and ²Section of Population Biology, University of Amsterdam, Kruislaan 320, 1098 SM Amsterdam, Netherlands

Author to whom all correspondence should be addressed.
e-mail: adler@math.utah.edu

ABSTRACT

We examine optimal patch allocation strategies in a population structured by size or some other characteristic. By treating size-specific differences among patches as limiting factors, we create a single framework to analyse foraging for two resources, foraging in the presence of predators and foraging in the presence of competition. The ideal free distribution or size segregation are optimal only in restricted circumstances, among a range of other intermediate patterns of patch rejection. The predicted pattern can shift from an ideal free distribution to various forms of size segregation as resource renewal rates in patches become more different.

Keywords: foraging–predation trade-off, ideal free distribution, optimal foraging, size structure.

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        © 2001 Frederick R. Adler. All EER articles are copyrighted by their authors. All authors endorse, permit and license Evolutionary Ecology Ltd. to grant its subscribing institutions/libraries the copying privileges specified below without additional consideration or payment to them or to Evolutionary Ecology, Ltd. These endorsements, in writing, are on file in the office of Evolutionary Ecology, Ltd. Consult authors for permission to use any portion of their work in derivative works, compilations or to distribute their work in any commercial manner.

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