Be different to be better: the effect of personality on optimal foraging with incomplete knowledge

Abstract Many animal populations include a diversity of personalities, and these personalities are often linked to foraging strategy. However, it is not always clear why should evolve have this diversity. Indeed, optimal theory typically seeks out single strategy for individuals in population. So do we, fact, see variety strategies existing population? Here, we aim provide insight into conundrum by modelling the particular case seabirds, that forage on patchy prey. These seabirds only partial knowledge their environment: they know exactly where next patch will emerge, but may some understanding which locations more likely lead emergence than others. studies assume either complete (e.g. Marginal Value Theorem) or no Lévy Flight Hypothesis), here construct new approach incorporates knowledge. In our model, different favoured birds along bold-shy personality continuum, so can assess optimality type. We show be shy (resp. bold) when living population bold shy) birds. This observation gives plausible mechanism behind diverse personalities. also environmental degradation favour shyer cause decrease over time.