The Dynamics of Specialization and Generalization within Biological Populations

We develop an abstract model to explore specialization and generalization in task performance by individuals within biological populations. Individuals follow simple rules of increasing and decreasing propensities for tasks that could, for example, be based on learning and forgetting. The model does not explore e ciency per se, but makes the prediction that where behavioural specialization occurs in nature, organisms are likely to be reaping su cient bene ts from improved handling e ciency to o set the costs of increased search time. A second prediction is that among specialists, there will be a trade-o between stability and responsiveness. The model reveals potential similarities between a wide range of complex biological systems.