Foraging by Rattus Norvegicus on a radial maze: a test of the optimal foraging model

To determine which model (Familiarity, Escape Routes, or Food Danger) best predicts where a rat will move food items varying in weight, eight male Long-Evans hooded rats (Rattus norvegicus) were allowed to forage on a four-arm radial maze. In Condition 1, food items varying in weight were placed on the arms of the maze; in Condition 2, food items varying in weight were placed in the center of the maze. In Condition 1, the rats increasingly carried food to the center of the maze as the food size increased. Results were confirmed by statistical analyses F(5,35)=20.40. In Condition 2, the rats increasingly carried food to the arms of the maze as the food size increased. Results were confirmed by statistical analyses F(5,35)=4.00. This study provides support for the food danger model as well as new information concerning the factors that influence optimal foraging in rats. The implications and limitations of foraging on the maze are discussed.