In OFT, if prey2 is more abundant but less profitable, predator should:
A lower-ranked prey should not be accepted merely because it is abundant. In the classic optimal diet model, acceptance depends on whether its energy per handling time exceeds the average return expected from rejecting it and searching for more profitable prey. If prey 1 remains sufficiently available, consuming prey 2 would occupy handling time that could be spent obtaining a better item, so prey 2 is rejected. The density of prey 2 itself has little effect on this encounter decision because the choice is made after prey 2 has already been found. However, the statement is conditional: if pref
Ref: Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems, Begon et al., 5th Ed., Ch. 10