Short-term and Long-term Optimality Models: Territoriality

Abstract

So far in this book we have looked at models that optimise behaviours or behaviour sequences over relatively short time periods. In Chapter 3, our starling maximises energetic returns per round-trip flight time; and in Chapter 6 our great tit optimises behaviour from the start of a feeding bout until satiation. One problem with such short-term optimality models is that optimisation may take place over a rather longer time period. In this chapter we will look at both short-term and long-term optimality models of territorial behaviour. I shall break away from presenting an historical introduction (the interested reader is referred to the very clear account by Krebs and Davies, 1981). Instead, I shall explain the main ideas by introducing a very simple model outlined by McNeill Alexander (1982).