Eric Charnov's paper presents a model of optimal foraging behavior in a predator, specifically the mantid Hierodula crassa. The model assumes that predators are efficient in their foraging, and that the goal is to maximize the net rate of caloric intake. The model considers factors such as prey type, handling time, and the probability of attacking a prey item. It predicts that predators should choose prey types based on the ratio of energy gained to handling time. The model is tested against the behavior of the mantid, which is shown to support the predicted behavior. However, the author notes that alternative explanations are not excluded, and that foraging behavior may reflect multiple factors, with energetic efficiency being only one. The model is based on the assumption that the predator encounters prey randomly and that each prey item is handled one at a time. The predator does not recognize prey types and must decide whether to attack or not. The model also assumes that the energetic cost of foraging is the same for all prey types. The model predicts that prey types should be chosen based on the ratio of energy gained to handling time, with higher ratios indicating more desirable prey. The model is tested against data from experiments on the mantid, which show that the mantid adjusts its diet based on the energy intake rate. The mantid is willing to pursue prey further when food is scarce, and it drops prey when food is abundant. The results support the model's predictions, but the author acknowledges that other factors, such as predation risk, may also influence foraging behavior. The paper concludes that optimal foraging is a perspective that helps explain foraging behavior, but it is not the only factor to consider.Eric Charnov's paper presents a model of optimal foraging behavior in a predator, specifically the mantid Hierodula crassa. The model assumes that predators are efficient in their foraging, and that the goal is to maximize the net rate of caloric intake. The model considers factors such as prey type, handling time, and the probability of attacking a prey item. It predicts that predators should choose prey types based on the ratio of energy gained to handling time. The model is tested against the behavior of the mantid, which is shown to support the predicted behavior. However, the author notes that alternative explanations are not excluded, and that foraging behavior may reflect multiple factors, with energetic efficiency being only one. The model is based on the assumption that the predator encounters prey randomly and that each prey item is handled one at a time. The predator does not recognize prey types and must decide whether to attack or not. The model also assumes that the energetic cost of foraging is the same for all prey types. The model predicts that prey types should be chosen based on the ratio of energy gained to handling time, with higher ratios indicating more desirable prey. The model is tested against data from experiments on the mantid, which show that the mantid adjusts its diet based on the energy intake rate. The mantid is willing to pursue prey further when food is scarce, and it drops prey when food is abundant. The results support the model's predictions, but the author acknowledges that other factors, such as predation risk, may also influence foraging behavior. The paper concludes that optimal foraging is a perspective that helps explain foraging behavior, but it is not the only factor to consider.