Mathematics, Department of
Date of this Version
Winter 12-2013
Abstract
Many organisms, from bacteria to primates, use stochastic movement patterns to find food. These movement patterns, known as search strategies, have recently be- come a focus of ecologists interested in identifying universal properties of optimal foraging behavior. In this dissertation, I describe three contributions to this field. First, I propose a way to extend Charnov's Marginal Value Theorem to the spatially explicit framework of stochastic search strategies. Next, I describe simulations that compare the efficiencies of sensory and memory-based composite search strategies, which involve switching between different behavioral modes. Finally, I explain a new behavioral analysis protocol for identifying the factors that influence pollinator for- aging. The utility of this protocol is demonstrated using data gathered on sweat bees (Agapostemon) in Western Nebraska.
Advisers: J. David Logan & Chad E. Brassil
Included in
Behavior and Ethology Commons, Numerical Analysis and Computation Commons, Other Applied Mathematics Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Other Mathematics Commons, Probability Commons
Comments
A DISSERTATION Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Major: Mathematics, Under the Supervision of Professors J. David Logan & Chad E. Brassil. Lincoln, Nebraska: December, 2013
Copyright (c) 2013 Ben C Nolting