title: Effects of predictability and competition on group and individual choice in a free-ranging foraging environment.
abstract: The present study examined the social foraging of rats in an open arena. The relative quantity of food varied across two food sources, or "patches." Five food quantity ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:8, 8:1, 2:1) were presented in a series of 30-min sessions. Ratios varied randomly across 6-min components within sessions (Phase 1), or in a consistent order across sessions (Phase 2). Group and individual preferences were well described by the ideal free distribution and the generalized matching law, respectively, with evidence of undermatching at both group and individual levels. Sensitivity of individual and collective behavior to the relative quantities of food was higher in Phase 2 than in Phase 1. Competitiveness rankings, assessed before and after experimental sessions by delivering food in rapid succession from a single feeder, was positively related to sensitivity values in Phase 1, but less consistently so in Phase 2. This study illustrates a promising experimental method for investigating foraging in a social context.
authors: Reed College.
authors: Lavinia
authors: L
authors: Tan
authors: Frank
authors: F
authors: Sosa
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Talbot
authors: Donald
authors: D
authors: Berg
authors: Dawniris
authors: D
authors: Eversz
authors: Timothy D
authors: TD
authors: Hackenberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D004777:Environment; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005523:Food Supply; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D012919:Social Behavior
keywords: choice; concurrent schedules; foraging; generalized matching law; ideal free distribution