Author
PECOR, KEITH - The College Of New Jersey | |
Lake, Ellen | |
WUND, MATTHEW - The College Of New Jersey |
Submitted to: The American Biology Teacher
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 8/8/2014 Publication Date: 3/1/2015 Citation: Pecor, K.W., Lake, E.C., Wund, M.A. 2015. Optimal foraging by birds: feeder-based experiments for secondary and post-secondary students. The American Biology Teacher. 77(3):192-197. Interpretive Summary: Optimal foraging theory attempts to explain the foraging patterns observed in animals, including their choice of particular food items and foraging locations. Here, we describe three exercises designed to test hypotheses about food choice and foraging habitat preference using bird feeders. These exercises can be used alone or in combination, and can also provide a foundation for students to develop extensions incorporating the basic methodology. We see these exercises as most applicable in secondary and post-secondary education, but they could be adapted for a variety of educational environments and for students with a variety of backgrounds. Technical Abstract: Optimal foraging theory attempts to explain the foraging patterns observed in animals, including their choice of particular food items and foraging locations. Here, we describe three exercises designed to test hypotheses about food choice and foraging habitat preference using bird feeders. These exercises can be used alone or in combination, and can also provide a foundation for students to develop extensions incorporating the basic methodology. We see these exercises as most applicable in secondary and post-secondary education, but they could be adapted for a variety of educational environments and for students with a variety of backgrounds. |