Vigilance and Foraging Under

Vigilance and Foraging Under Risk of Predation

Intro:

Behaviour is an interesting concept which in spite of many years of thorough studies eludes a definitive reasoning for the mechanics of how it works. Through the controlled observations of a multitude of organisms we are able to make knowledgeable assumptions as to the causes for an organism’s reasoning and following responses in a given situation. At this present point in time we can best explain an animal’s behaviour in terms of maximizing their fitness in order to ensure their survivability and reproduction. Experience plays a strong role in the development of an organism’s thought processes, and plays a role in how an individual will respond in the future. We are able to subjectively experience our environment, and we in turn objectively look upon prior experiences in the process of learning. This phenomenon of learning allows us to gain more insight into an environment, and applies to all organisms in terms of how they should respond to future stimuli in order to ensure a profitable outcome. This learning process plays an integral role in an organism’s assessment of perceived risks associated with foraging.

To gain some insight into the foraging behaviours of an organism within their environment, we have to assume that they are cognitively capable of understanding the risk involved with foraging. Predation risk-sensitive foraging is a theory which handles the amount of time an individual is aware of their surroundings while foraging. While we can see an individual foraging as beneficial for their survival and meeting their requirements to pass along their genes through reproduction, a predator may see this opportunity as their next meal. When an individual forages they assess the situation for potential risks and from that assessment they have an idea of how vigilant they need to be when gathering resources. One way to measure behaviours that reflect the risk of predation while foraging is by...