A game theoretical model of the evolution of food hoarding: applications to the Paridae
A game against the field is proposed that models the evolution of food-hoarding behavior in a group-living species, like many members of the family Paridae (Aves, Passeriformes). The model predicts that no special retrieval mechanisms (e.g., memory) are necessary for food-hoarding individuals to inv...
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| Published in | The American naturalist Vol. 151; no. 4; p. 356 |
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| Main Author | |
| Format | Journal Article |
| Language | English |
| Published |
United States
01.04.1998
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| Online Access | Get more information |
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| Summary: | A game against the field is proposed that models the evolution of food-hoarding behavior in a group-living species, like many members of the family Paridae (Aves, Passeriformes). The model predicts that no special retrieval mechanisms (e.g., memory) are necessary for food-hoarding individuals to invade a population of nonhoarders, as long as the winters are very severe. Once food hoarding is established in a population, having smaller groups and separating foraging niches between group members prevent cheaters from benefiting from other individuals' caches. A scenario is proposed for the evolution of hoarding in the Paridae. |
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| ISSN: | 0003-0147 1537-5323 |
| DOI: | 10.1086/286124 |