Which of the following examples best reflects the optimal foraging model?
A) During foraging, a mule deer will consume food as soon as it finds it, regardless of the location.
B) A cheetah will continue a chase for prey, regardless of how long the chase lasts or how much energy is consumed.
C) A moose spends more time looking for food when the food is high quality than when the food is low quality.
D) If an animal is hungry it will consume food as soon as it is found, regardless of the food quality or the risk.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The optimal foraging model suggests that animals will maximize their net energy intake per unit of foraging time. C) reflects this model because the moose prioritizes high-quality food, indicating a strategy to maximize energy gain despite possibly spending more time searching.

Which of the Following Examples Best Reflects the Optimal Foraging