An insectivorous bird has the choice of eating (1) meadow beetles, which are abundant and large but expose the bird to hawk predation, (2) under-a-rock beetles, which are large and fatty but hard to obtain, or (3) under-a-leaf beetles, which are easy to obtain but small. The bird has nestlings to feed. As an optimal forager, it will
A) concentrate on under-a-leaf beetles because they are easy and safe.
B) concentrate on under-a-rock beetles because they are energy-rich.
C) eat one kind of beetle at a time (first under-a-leaf, then meadow, then under-a-rock), switching to a new kind when the old kind becomes scarce.
D) eat all three kinds of beetles, balancing the energy spent and the risks incurred against the energy gained.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The optimal strategy for the bird would be to eat all three kinds of beetles, balancing the energy spent and the risks incurred against the energy gained. By doing this, the bird can ensure that it and its nestlings receive a diverse diet of nutrients while also minimizing the risk of predator exposure. While under-a-leaf beetles may be easy to obtain, they are small and may not provide enough energy for the bird and its nestlings. Meadow beetles may be abundant, but they come with the risk of hawk predation. Under-a-rock beetles may be energy-rich but are hard to obtain. Eating all three kinds of beetles would allow the bird to maximize its energy intake while minimizing the risks it incurs.

An Insectivorous Bird Has the Choice of Eating (1) Meadow