Generality of the Size-Distance Relation in Models of Optimal Feeding

Abstract

If pursuit or provisioning time is unrelated to prey size, the following size-distance properties are expected for a variety of prey-handling functions. 1. The best prey size increases with distance. 2. For given values of profit (measured as energy per unit time), profit changes less with distance, the larger the prey. 3. The range of sizes taken shifts toward larger sizes, as distance increases. If pursuit or provisioning time increases with prey size, these effects can be reversed.