Abstract
Behavioral models based on Markovian decision processes lead to functional difference equations for quantities such as the mean lifetime of the forager and the probability of reproductive success of the forager. In this paper, asymptotic and iterative methods are developed for the solution of such equations. The asymptotic methods are compared with numerical simulations. The iterative methods can be proved by a simple application of contraction mapping theorems.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Arnold, S. J.: The evolution of a special class of modifiable behaviors in relation to environmental pattern. Am. Nat. 112, 415–427 (1978)
Bender, S. A., Orszag, C. M.: Advanced mathematical methods for scientific and engineers. New York: McGraw Hill (1978)
Caraco, C., Gillespie, R. G.: Risk sensitivity and foraging mode. Preprint (1985)
Cope, D. K., Tuckwell, H. C.: Firing rates of neurons with random excitation and inhibition. J. Theor. Biol. 80, 1–14 (1979)
Hanson, F. B., Tuckwell, H. C.: Persistence times of populations with large random fluctuations. Theor. Popul. Biol. 14, 46–61 (1978)
Heijmans, J.: Holling's hungry mantid model for the invertebrate functional response considered as a Markov process III. Stable satiation distribution. J. Math. Biol. 21, 115–143 (1985)
Huey, R. B., Pianka, E. R.: Ecological consequences of foraging mode. Ecology 62, 991–999 (1981)
Kevorkian, J., Cole, J. D.: Perturbation methods in applied mathematics. Berlin Heidelberg New York: Springer (1987)
Knessl, C., Mangel, M., Matkowsky, B. J., Schuss, Z., Tier, C.: Solution of Kramers-Moyal equations for problems in chemical physics. J. Chem. Phys. 81, 1285–1293 (1984)
Knessl, C., Matkowsky, B., Schuss, Z., Tier, C.: A singular perturbation approach to first passage times for Markov jump processes. J. Stat. Phys. 142, 169–184 (1986)
Mangel, M., Clark, C. W.: Unified foraging theory. Ecology 67, 1127–1138 (1986)
Matkowsky, B. J., Schuss, Z., Knessl, C., Tier, C., Mangel, M.: Asymptotic solution of the Kramers-Moyal equations and first passage times in the chemical physics. Phys. Rev. A 29, 3359–3369 (1984)
Olive, C. W.: Behavioral response of a sit-and-wait predator to spatial variation in foraging gain. Ecology 63, 912–920 (1984)
Winterhalder, B.: Opportunity cost foraging models for stationary and mobile predators. Am. Nat. 122, 73–84 (1983)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mangel, M. Solution of functional difference equations from behavioral theory. J. Math. Biology 24, 557–567 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00275684
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00275684