Optimal intermittent search strategies: smelling the prey

We study the kinetics of the search of a single fixed target by a searcher/walker that performs an intermittent random walk, characterized by different states of motion. In addition, we assume that the walker has the ability to detect the scent left by the prey/target in its surroundings. Our result...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of physics. A, Mathematical and theoretical Mathematical and theoretical, 2010-05, Vol.43 (19), p.195001-195001
Main Authors: Revelli, J A, Rojo, F, Budde, C E, Wio, H S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Computer simulation
Exact sciences and technology
Inhomogeneity
Mathematical models
Optimization
Physics
Predators
Searching
Strategy
Survival
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Summary:We study the kinetics of the search of a single fixed target by a searcher/walker that performs an intermittent random walk, characterized by different states of motion. In addition, we assume that the walker has the ability to detect the scent left by the prey/target in its surroundings. Our results, in agreement with intuition, indicate that the prey's survival probability could be strongly reduced (increased) if the predator is attracted (or repelled) by the trace left by the prey. We have also found that, for a positive trace (the predator is guided towards the prey), increasing the inhomogeneity's size reduces the prey's survival probability, while the optimal value of Delta *a (the parameter that regulates intermittency) ceases to exist. The agreement between theory and numerical simulations is excellent.
ISSN:1751-8121
1751-8113
1751-8121
DOI:10.1088/1751-8113/43/19/195001