9409147 Real This project examines the spatial and temporal structure of nectar distribution in flowers in the field. Spatial structure of resource distribution has usually been ignored in models of pollinator foraging behavior and decision making. In this study the PI's measure the spatial organization of resource variability, and how the pattern changes with time of day. These data will be incorporated into a series of foraging models. This research has potential broad applicability to insect foraging behavior and behavioral ecology. The results may help us better understand how decision-making rules that deal with complex situations are developed in honey bees, bumble bees, and other insects, and generally improve our understanding of animal cognitive psychology.
