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Time to fly: A comparison of marginal value theorem approximations in an agent-based model of foraging waterfowl

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  • Miller, Matt L.
  • Ringelman, Kevin M.
  • Eadie, John M.
  • Schank, Jeffrey C.

Abstract

One of the fundamental decisions foragers face is how long an individual should remain in a given foraging location. Typical approaches to modeling this decision are based on the marginal value theorem. However, direct application of this theory would require omniscience regarding food availability. Even with complete knowledge of the environment, foraging with intraspecific competition requires resolution of simultaneous circular dependencies. In response to these issues in application, a number of approximating algorithms have been proposed, but it remains to be seen whether these algorithms are effective given a large number of foragers with realistic characteristics. We implemented several algorithms approximating marginal value foraging in a large-scale avian foraging model and compared the results. We found that a novel reinforcement-learning algorithm that includes cost of travel is the most effective algorithm that most closely approximates marginal value foraging theory and recreates depletion patterns observed in empirical studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Miller, Matt L. & Ringelman, Kevin M. & Eadie, John M. & Schank, Jeffrey C., 2017. "Time to fly: A comparison of marginal value theorem approximations in an agent-based model of foraging waterfowl," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 351(C), pages 77-86.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecomod:v:351:y:2017:i:c:p:77-86
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2017.02.013
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    1. McLane, Adam J. & Semeniuk, Christina & McDermid, Gregory J. & Marceau, Danielle J., 2011. "The role of agent-based models in wildlife ecology and management," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 222(8), pages 1544-1556.
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    1. Davis, Natalie & Jarvis, Andrew & Polhill, J. Gareth, 2022. "Co-evolution of network structure and consumer inequality in a spatially explicit model of energetic resource acquisition," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 608(P1).

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