Optimal foraging as a function of distance to cache in the Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus).

Abstract

Marginal value theorem is an important aspect of the cost benefit analysis of animals. I examined the optimal foraging behavior of 1 Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) at UMBS near Pellston, Michigan. I examined the amount of food taken versus distance from the burrow, time spent feeding versus distance from feeder, and efficiency versus distance from a feeder. Data analysis using regression and ANOVA showed that time feeding did increase as the distance from the hole did as optimal foraging would predict. The amount of food taken did not seem to show any significant relationship with distance from the burrow. Efficiency decreased with distance away from hole. The results from efficiency can be explained by the chipmunks taking more time and effort to put each additional seed in their mouth when they already have a lot.