Elements of a systematic search in animal behavior and model simulations

Starting from a position paper by Hans Bremermann, general aspects of search behavior are envisaged: locomotion itself, the capability of orientation and possible storage of information about the ‘goals’ of a search. The importance of stochasticity in these processes is briefly discussed. In particular, experimental findings and theoretical concepts on the homing search of desert isopods (Hemilepistus reaumuri) are presented. Using the general framework of stochastic differential equations for the angular turning rate of a migrating individual, search paths with characteristic loops and meanders can be modelled and simulated. Search success is quantified by measuring the degree of path overlap and by computing an index of area search intensity. Quantities are plotted versus path length, both for observed isopod data and for typical simulated search paths. Certain elements of a systematic search are described and explained by a hypothesis about temporal locomotion control, based on the isopodʹs ability for path integration and directional compensation. Finally, possible effects of orientational cues are mentioned.