Exploratory behavior and dispersal: a graphical model

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Abstract
A graphical model is developed that describes the costs and benefits of exploratory behavior, and qualitatively predicts the optimal exploration time. An increase in density results in a decrease in exploration because of the decreased benefits and increased costs. This decrease in exploration time is hypothesized to result in the decreased dispersal rate that is observed in populations of small rodents. By incorporating predation, the graphical model explains why the dispersal rate in the decline phase of a microtine density cycle is lower than the dispersal rate at comparable densities of the increase phase.