Concept explainers
To write:
Oystercatchers do not forage for the largest, most energy-rich mussels.
Introduction:
The large mussels provide many more calories than smaller mussels. The larger the mussel, the more it tends to be encrusted with the barnacles that make it harder to open.
Optimal foraging theory (OFT) is a behavioral study that helps in predicting the animal behavior while searching for food.
Oystercatchers are one of the few birds capable of opening oysters. A group of oystercatchers are known as a parcel of oystercatchers.
Explanation of Solution
Oystercatchers feeding on the edible mussel is analyzed and compared with an optimal diet model. It is found that the oystercatchers usually select mussels between 30 and 45 mm long. It should not be overgrown or thin shelled. Waste handling events and estimating the prey population is a good agreement. These results are further discussed in the optimal foraging theory (OFT).
The prey size classes are selected by their profit giving abilities, larger size classes are more profitable than smaller size classes.
The mussels should not be overgrown or thin shelled.
Oystercatchers do waste time inspecting prey that are subsequently not consumed. The optimal size selection is calculated to determine the size selection that maximises energy intake rate.
Chapter 31 Solutions
Biology Illinois Edition (Glencoe Science)
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Campbell Essential Biology (6th Edition) - standalone book
Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach (2nd Edition)
Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology Plus Mastering A&P with eText - Access Card Package (10th Edition) (New A&P Titles by Ric Martini and Judi Nath)
Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology (11th Edition)
Microbiology with Diseases by Body System (5th Edition)
Campbell Biology (10th Edition)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)BiologyISBN:9780134580999Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. HoehnPublisher:PEARSONBiology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStaxAnatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781259398629Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa StouterPublisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
- Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)BiologyISBN:9780815344322Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter WalterPublisher:W. W. Norton & CompanyLaboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781260159363Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, CynthiaPublisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)BiologyISBN:9781260231700Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael WindelspechtPublisher:McGraw Hill Education