PHYSIOLOGICAL ECOLOGY OF FORAGING AND DIG ESTION IN VERTEBRATES - MODELS AND THEORIES

Within the framework of optimal digestion theory and chemical reactors , I discuss and analyze the ecological and evolutionary implications o f foraging behavior and digestive mechanisms of vertebrates. I also di scuss a series of hypotheses based on digestion theory and allometry, that predict digestive configurations and foraging behavior based on: i) body size considerations, ii) function of the digestive system, iii ) energy expediture, and iv) chemical composition of the natural food.