Area-restricted Search and the Scale Dependence of Path Quality Discrimination

摘要: Abstract This paper considers how the spatial distribution of resource patches can influence quality discrimination when search behavior is conditioned on patch quality. Two models animal dispersal between are presented, a random walk simulation and simple analytical treatment. These used to examine whether patch-based version “area-restricted search” produce scale dependence in level discrimination. Simulations model suggest that animals condition quality: (i) equilibrium levels will be dependent, (ii) may minimal at small large interpatch distances. The suggests should expected not just systems, but whenever meets two conditions: probability trip reaching given displacement from home decrease with increasing displacement, Since these conditions seem likely broadly applicable, common. Scale develops because they explicitly represent interaction length distance patches. both optimal foraging metapopulation currently popular conservation biology need dependent interacts producing migration rates.