Interplay between Foraging Choices and Population Growth Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper investigates how individual foraging decisions influence and are influenced by population growth, using a coupled model that integrates optimal foraging behavior with logistic population dynamics to understand their interdependence.

Contribution

It introduces a coupled model linking individual foraging choices with population growth, providing new insights into their mutual influence under resource constraints.

Findings

Population size affects individuals' optimal foraging efforts.

Foraging behavior impacts overall population growth.

The model reveals feedback loops between behavior and population dynamics.

Abstract

In this study, we couple a population dynamics model with a model for optimal foraging to study the interdependence between individual-level cost-benefits and population-scale dynamics. Specifically, we study the logistic growth model, which provides insights into population dynamics under resource limitations. Unlike exponential growth, the logistic model incorporates the concept of carrying capacity, thus offering a more realistic depiction of biological populations as they near environmental limits. We aim to study the impact of individual-level incentives driving behavioral responses in a dynamic environment. Specifically, explore the coupled dynamics between population density and individuals' foraging times. Our results yield insights into the effects of population size on individuals' optimal foraging efforts, which impacts the population's size.