SBIR-STTR Award

Foraging behavior and its interactions with the environment are complex and multi-dimensional. Simulation helps laboratory biologists and field ecologists work with data and theoretical models to gain insights into behavioral mechanisms. The increasing power of desktop computers is bringing computer simulation technology to a new level -of accessibility. The use of simulation in foraging behavior research is in its infancy; there is great potential for its use in representation and interpretation of actual and simulated experiments. It is clear that with appropriate behavior simulation models, biologists and ecologists can make significant advances in understanding foraging processes. The goal is to evaluate simulation techniques for a prototype foraging behavior simulation model. The approach is to develop a shell program that allows users to specify foraging tactics, habitat structure, etc., and to set up simulated factorial experiments. Researchers are evaluating simulation techniques and algorithms for their specific application to bebavioral processes. The project requires original research on the question of how to simulate phenomena such as decisions and spatial behavior. The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: Resulting software has commercial application as an applied and theoretical research software package, and as a teaching and communications tool.

Foraging behavior is a critical aspect of animal survival. Its interactions with the environment are complex and multi-dimensional. Computer simulation holds the promise of helping laboratory biologists and field ecologists gain insights into behavioral mechanisms as well as theoretical models of foraging. The use of simulation in research on foraging behavior is in its infancy; there is great potential for its use in representation and interpretation of actual and simulated experiments. Phase I research resulted in a proof-of-concept foraging-behavior simulation model for personal computers. The goal of Phase II is to investigate simulation techniques for a range of behaviors, models, and theories that represent the scope of research on foraging behavior. The approach is to evaluate simulation techniques for such foraging concepts as learning, motivation, utility, herbivory, predation, risk-preference/aversion, and fitness. The work will include development of a user-friendly interface that includes on-line help for setting up biologically valid simulations. This project will require original research on the question of how to reconcile diverse approaches to foraging behavior