
Foraging patterns
Foraging patterns refer to the ways animals or humans search for and gather food in their environment. These patterns involve choices about where to look, how long to spend searching, and how much effort to put into finding food. They are influenced by factors like food availability, safety, and energy costs. Different species develop specific strategies—some may cover large areas with frequent searches, while others focus on rich, predictable sources. Understanding foraging helps explain behaviors related to survival, resource use, and how animals adapt to their habitats.