foraging efficiency

Foraging efficiency refers to how effectively an organism finds and collects food relative to the effort it expends. It measures the amount of energy or nutrients gained from food compared to the energy used to search for and acquire it. High foraging efficiency means the animal is able to obtain enough nourishment with minimal energy and time spent, maximizing its survival and reproductive success. Factors influencing it include food availability, predator risk, and the animal's foraging strategies. Essentially, it's about balancing the costs and benefits of searching for food to optimize overall energy gain.