Figure 1 from: J.M.C. HUTCHINSON 1999. Bet-hedging when targets may disappear: optimalmate-seeking or prey-catching trajectories and the stability of leks andherds. Journal of Theoretical Biology 196:33-49. Abstract and pdf version

The taxi parable. (a) What is the customer's optimal trajectory towards two taxis that someone else may occupy at any time? The dashed lines are alternative trajectories (straight or curved). If the left-hand taxi disappeared the customer would head straight to the remaining taxi (dotted lines). (b) Should the customer head for a pair of taxis even though a solitary taxi is nearere?(c) Assuming customers behave optimally, should a taxi park next to another?

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