Which of the following might affect the foraging behavior of an animal in the context of optimal foraging?
I. risk of predation
II. prey size
III. prey defenses
IV. prey density
A) only I and III
B) only II and IV
C) only II, III, and IV
D) only I, II, and III
E) I, II, III, and IV

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the factors listed (risk of predation, prey size, prey defenses, and prey density) can affect an animal's foraging behavior in the context of optimal foraging. For example, an animal may choose to avoid foraging in areas with high risk of predation, select larger prey items to maximize energy gain, avoid prey with strong defenses that may require a significant energy expenditure to capture, and target areas with higher prey densities to maximize foraging efficiency.

Which of the Following Might Affect the Foraging Behavior of an Animal