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Pierce, G.J.; Ollason, J.G.
Eight reasons why optimal foraging theory is a complete waste of time
1987 Oikos (49): 111-117
We present a series of criticisms of the application of optimization theory to the behaviour and morphology of animals, using the example of optimal foraging theory. The criticisms are independent and presented in decreasing order of importance. We argue that optimization theory is inappropriate for investigating the products of evolution, that animals should not be expected to be optimal, that it is not possible to test whether they are optimal. We further suggest that it is not possible to test whether behaviour has been selected to fulfil specific functions, that such tests have not been carried out, and that no optimization model of foraging behaviour has been supported. Appeals to the heuristic value of the theory are inappropriate because they encourage unjustified interpretations of the behaviour of animals.
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