Variations in Foraging Behaviour 45
Table 4.1.
Genetically fixed versus unfixed (plastic) foraging behaviour in parasitoids and the foraging situations that affect the expected
occurrence of each type.
Extent of differences between host and habitat situations and the consistency in availability of each situationDifferences small;
Differences large;
Differences small;
Differences large;
Type of selection
availability consistent
availability consistent
availability inconsistent
availability inconsistent
Selection for diverse fixed adaptations
Low
High
Low
High
Selection for individual plasticity
Low
Low
High
High
Resultant type of foraging behaviour
Less need for genetic
Genetically different and
Adjustable through learning Genetically div
ersified with
differences or plasticity
fixed for each type situation
as situation necessitates
overlay of plasticity