Summary( c$ q! {; ?' ]) a# D
Using techniques from differential game theory, we model the velociraptor! d; ^% Y ?' j r
hunting problem by means of a semi-discrete computer algorithm. 0 b3 g! j0 D$ J" gBy defining predator and prey behaviors in terms of **, intuitive principles,3 \" ^; n. d9 Y( X) T6 B
we identify a set of strategies designed to counter one another, such3 B @" {: I& e6 L
that no one pure predator strategy or prey strategy defines an optimal behavior + I, P0 e1 d( k; W# ]/ { @pattern. Instead, the ideal strategy switches between two or more pure1 Y; W+ v8 I5 u9 p
strategies, in an essentially unpredictable, or protean, manner. The resulting ( b& X! k9 f3 n3 soptimum behaviors show a mixture of feints, bluffs, and true turns for the " J- S6 ~7 B0 _' V4 f3 v4 }thescelosaurs, and a mixture of predictive interception and ** pursuit for) B$ `5 k7 ^) S
the velociraptors.. G+ z4 ?# V5 \! G1 u7 ^
Finally, using these strategies, we demonstrate a conclusive advantage for * I$ `% E7 S: Z; F! V. Zvelociraptors hunting in pairs over velociraptors hunting in isolation.
Introduction0 |- i/ x4 j. M+ D1 \- o
We describe hunting strategies for a velociraptor and flight strategies for its $ u7 @+ s; h; n- u' I, [prey using a computational semi-discrete representation of a differential game/ p; V1 E& O9 V" |6 k' F
of pursuit and evasion. 4 s1 G1 M" ?) bFirst, we review the formalism of traditional non-differential game theory7 i6 z2 N0 j9 j2 v5 q$ O/ M3 ]5 n5 i
and the extension of its principles into the analysis of differential systems, * v* P& g8 ?5 z" p. O/ ataking careful note of the unique aspects of the velociraptor problem. & F, d3 w9 H0 g3 N' fTheUMAP Journal 18 (3) (1997) 213–224. °c Copyright 1997 byCOMAP, Inc. All rights reserved. 1 x6 p0 A9 \1 y" @( ~# X# ^& FPermission to make digital or hard copies of part or all of this work for personal or classroom use9 D" K- Z3 O3 w1 ^0 p
is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial& u1 n) G: X0 ?
advantage and that copies bear this notice. Abstracting with credit is permitted, but copyrights7 a6 Y- l" W# g. D4 |# {& e
for components of this work owned by others than COMAP must be honored. To copy otherwise,& Z0 s6 E7 ?% Q
to republish, to post on servers, or to redistribute to lists requires prior permission from COMAP.