Optimal foraging theory
![Worker bees forage nectar not only for themselves, but for their whole hive community. Optimal foraging theory predicts that this bee will forage in a way that will maximize its hive's net yield of energy.](/Images/godic/202501/31/Abeille_butinant_une_fleur_30749.JPG")
![Figure 1. Energy gain per cost (E) for adopting foraging strategy x. Adapted from Parker & Smith.[5]](/Images/godic/202501/31/SDY10749.jpg")
![Figure 2. Three types of functional response curves. Adapted from Staddon.[12]](/Images/godic/202501/31/SDY20749.jpg")
![Figure 3. Marginal value theorem shown graphically.](/Images/godic/202501/31/Marginalvaluetheorem0749.jpg")
Optimal foraging theory (OFT) is a model that helps predict how an animal behaves when searching for food. Although obtaining food provides the animal with energy, searching for and capturing the food require both energy and time. The animal wants to gain the most benefit (energy) for the lowest cost during foraging, so that it can maximize its fitness. OFT helps predict the best strategy that an animal can use to achieve this goal.