Optimal food selection in the Eastern Chipmunk, Tamias striatus: a study on foraging theory.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the applicability of optimal foraging theory to the search-encounter-decision process of the Eastern chipmunk. We tested the foraging preference of chipmunks given a choice between double and single peanuts, varying the distances of the peanuts from the chipmunks' burrows. We hypothesized that chipmunks would prefer double peanuts because double peanuts have a higher profitability than single peanuts. We also predicted that chipmunks would take a greater number of peanuts per visit as distances between nuts and burrows increased. Chipmunks showed a preference of double peanuts over single peanuts. No correlation was found between number of peanuts taken per visit and distance from burrow. Results of nut preference are consistent with our first hypothesis. Results of nuts taken per visit were not in agreement with our second prediction when distances from nuts to burrows were considered.