Macronutrient modifications of optimal foraging theory: an approach using indifference curves applied to some modern foragers

Journal Article · Wed Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Hum. Ecol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00888091· OSTI ID:6167160

Hill, K

The use of energy (calories) as the currency to be maximized per unit time in Optimal Foraging Models is considered in light of data on several foraging groups. Observations on the Ache, Cuiva, and Yora foragers suggest men do not attempt to maximize energetic return rates, but instead often concentration on acquiring meat resources which provide lower energetic returns. The possibility that this preference is due to the macronutrient composition of hunted and gathered foods is explored. Indifference curves are introduced as a means of modeling the tradeoff between two desirable commodities, meat (protein-lipid) and carbohydrate, and a specific indifference curve is derived using observed choices in five foraging situations. This curve is used to predict the amount of meat that Mbuti foragers will trade for carbohydrate, in an attempt to test the utility of the approach.

• Research Organization: Emory Univ., Atlanta, GA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6167160
• Journal Information: Hum. Ecol.; (United States), Vol. 16:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
CARBOHYDRATES
ENERGY ANALYSIS
MEAT
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
STATISTICAL MODELS
RURAL POPULATIONS
DIET
SOUTH AMERICA
DIAGRAMS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
FIELD TESTS
FORECASTING
FRUITS
HUMAN FACTORS
LAND USE
NUTRIENTS
NUTRITION
OPTIMIZATION
PROTEINS
VEGETABLES
EFFICIENCY
FOOD
HUMAN POPULATIONS
LATIN AMERICA
MANAGEMENT
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
POPULATIONS
TESTING
290400* - Energy Planning & Policy- Energy Resources