Final answer:
In the context of OFT, the decision to move on to another patch refers to foraging strategy, which ensures efficient resource acquisition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decision of when to move on to another patch in the context of OFT refers to c) Foraging strategy. Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT) suggests that animals behave in ways that maximize their net energy intake per unit of time. When an individual has depleted a patch of resources to the point where continuing to forage there is no longer efficient, they apply their foraging strategy to move on to a new, resource-rich patch.
This decision-making process is essential for survival, as it ensures that animals are efficiently obtaining necessary resources. It is not related to mating behavior, territory defense, or parental care, which are other significant animal behaviors involving the allocation of resources and energy to ensure reproductive success and the survival of offspring.