flocking behavior (Craig Reynolds)

Flocking behavior, popularized by computer graphics pioneer Craig Reynolds in the 1980s, describes how groups of animals, like birds or fish, move together in a coordinated manner. This behavior emerges from simple rules followed by each individual: alignment (matching the direction of nearby neighbors), separation (avoiding crowding), and cohesion (staying close to the group). These rules allow the entire group to react dynamically to its environment, creating complex and realistic movement patterns without a central leader. Understanding flocking behavior can provide insights into collective decision-making and the dynamics of social systems.