Robert H. MacArthur received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1958. He was a Professor of Biology at Princeton University from 1965 until 1972. Before his death in 1972, MacArthur published numerous articles and books, with a focus on ecological studies. His 1966 article with Pianka established many of the assumptions and parameters applied today in optimal foraging theory models and laid the groundwork for future studies.