Optimal Foraging by Birds: Experiments for Secondary & Postsecondary Students

Keith W. Pecor; Ellen C. Lake; Matthew A. Wund

doi:10.1525/abt.2015.77.3.7

1 March 2015 Optimal Foraging by Birds: Experiments for Secondary & Postsecondary Students

Keith W. Pecor, Ellen C. Lake, Matthew A. Wund

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The American Biology Teacher, 77(3):192-197 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2015.77.3.7

Abstract

Optimal foraging theory attempts to explain the foraging patterns observed in animals, including their choice of particular food items and foraging locations. We describe three experiments designed to test hypotheses about food choice and foraging habitat preference using bird feeders. These experiments can be used alone or in combination and can also provide a foundation for students to develop extensions incorporating the basic methodology. We see these experiments as most applicable in secondary and postsecondary education, but they could be adapted for a variety of educational environments and for students with a variety of backgrounds.

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Keith W. Pecor, Ellen C. Lake, and Matthew A. Wund "Optimal Foraging by Birds: Experiments for Secondary & Postsecondary Students," The American Biology Teacher 77(3), 192-197, (1 March 2015). https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2015.77.3.7

Published: 1 March 2015

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