Abstract
We develop a genetic algorithm model that evolves state-dependent begging strategies of nestlings and provisioning strategies of a parent. The model compares begging by nestlings with different abilities and needs, with and without predation costs. It shows that parents respond to cost-free begging as a signal of hunger in related nestlings. It suggests that competitively superior nestlings should be highly state-sensitive, begging less than smaller siblings when nearly satiated, but more when hungry. Such sensitivity evolves under two conditions: under low starvation risk, large siblings increase inclusive fitness by reducing the risk of sibling death; under high starvation and predation risk, large siblings decrease the probability of predation by reducing overall begging levels. Thus, loud begging by small nestlings may honestly signal need, or may manipulate their sibling’s behaviour.
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Price, K., Ydenberg, R., Daust, D. (2002). State-Dependent Begging with Asymmetries and Costs: A Genetic Algorithm Approach. In: Wright, J., Leonard, M.L. (eds) The Evolution of Begging. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47660-6_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-47660-6_2
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-0571-8
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