Third, we believe that the conclusions drawn here should influence the applica-
tion of optimal foraging theory to hunter–gatherer studies. In optimal foraging
models, search times or travel times are essential elements in the basic equations.
Both prey and patch models derive from Holling’s disk equation. This equation
assumes a linear relationship between search time and the number of prey/patch
encounters. The power law function of the travel distances documented here clearly
violates that assumption of linearity.