The Theory of Optimal ForagingAbstract.Ý The theory of optimal foraging and its relationship to central foraging was examined using the beaver as a modelÝ (summarizes the Introduction). Beaver food choice was examined by noting woody vegetation species, status (chewed or unchewed), distance from water, and girth of trees near a beaver pond in North Carolina (summarizes methods) . they preferred trees near water.Ý No preference for tree girth was noted (summarizes results).Ý These data suggest that beavers' food choice agrees with optimal foraging theory (summarizes discussion). = This abstract is a mini-version of the entire article. Summarizes each section of the report in chronological order. Introduction In this lab, we explore optimal foraging theory and central location foraging theory using beavers as a model animal.Ý=Identify the scientific concept that provides the learning context for the lab. Foraging refers to mammalian behavior associated with the search for food.ÝÝ Optimal foraging theory assumes that animals forage in a manner that maximizes their net rate of energy intake per unit time (Pyke et al. 1977).Ý An animal can maximize its daily energy intake (energy maximizer) or minimize the time spent feeding (time minimizer) in order to meet minimum requirements. time (Pyke et al. 1977).ÝThe central place at the...... middle of the document ......tement of possible sources of error. ConclusionThe purpose of this lab was to learn optimal foraging theory by measuring selection trees in beavers.Ý We now know that optimal foraging theory allows us to predict food-seeking behavior in beavers with respect to distance from their central location and , to some extent, to variations in tree species.Ý We also learned that foraging behaviors and food selection is not always simple.” .Ý= The conclusion reiterates the purpose and describes what the students have learned.