Editing Stochastic programming (section)

=== Biological applications ===
[[Stochastic dynamic programming]] is frequently used to model [[ethology|animal behaviour]] in such fields as [[behavioural ecology]].<ref>Mangel, M. & Clark, C. W. 1988. ''Dynamic modeling in behavioral ecology.'' Princeton University Press {{ISBN|0-691-08506-4}}</ref><ref>Houston, A. I & McNamara, J. M. 1999. ''Models of adaptive behaviour: an approach based on state''. Cambridge University Press {{ISBN|0-521-65539-0}}</ref> Empirical tests of models of [[Optimal foraging theory|optimal foraging]], [[Biological life cycle|life-history]] transitions such as [[Fledge|fledging in birds]] and egg laying in [[parasitoid]] wasps have shown the value of this modelling technique in explaining the evolution of behavioural decision making. These models are typically many-staged, rather than two-staged.