Optimality Theory and Game Theory

Behavioral Ecology

Behavioral ecology: study behavior with regard to its ultimate (i.e., evolutionary) consequences - the economics of animal behavior

Scientists

Optimality Models

• decision variable: the variable to optimize (speed)
• currency: criterion used to examine values in decision variable (mpg)
• constraints: factors that limit relationship between decision variable and currency (speed limits)

Examples include the economic modelling of foraging decisions - optimal foraging theory. This specifically examines the choice of food items: marginal value theorem, central place foragers, risk-sensitivity. A modelling approach offers many advantages including:

• use calculus and logic
• solve for minimum or maximum
• explore sensitivity to changes in particular values in equation. e.g. relative amount of fuel used (e.g., liters per kilometer; miles per gallon) as a function of the speed of driving
• use mathematical logic to make precise predictions
• test sensitivity of asumptions
• determine what types of information is relevant

Game Theory Models

These models pit individuals vs. other individuals. It examines the success of a particular strategy within a population of animals using frequency dependent selection. The success of decisions of one individual depend on what decisions other animals make. Average <fitness> estimates (w, i.e. the currency) judge the success of a strategy as a function of the proportion of individuals within a population using the strategy. Selection should foster the establishment of strategies that cannot be invaded - <Evolutionary Stable Strategy>: a strategy that, when common, cannot be invaded by an alternative strategy.

• limited resources produce conflicts of interest. Assuming no rationality, natural selection should promote the most eficient trade-offs.
• Simulation approach: to understand complex, dynamic systems with self-organizing principles; solutions depend on local comparisons and not global information;

Reading Assignment

• Chapter 15: Foraging Behavior

Links of Interest

• Optimality Models
• Optimality Approach
• Evolution and Game Theory
• Game Theory Primer
• Game Theory: An Introductory Sketch
• Evolutionary Game Theory
• Artificial Life Games