Individual-based models

Individual-based models (IBMs) are computer simulations that focus on the behaviors and interactions of individual entities—such as animals, people, or cells—to understand complex systems. Instead of examining the overall system directly, IBMs track each entity’s actions, decisions, and relationships over time. This detailed approach helps researchers analyze how individual differences influence larger patterns and outcomes, making it useful for studying ecosystems, social dynamics, or disease spread. By modeling at the individual level, IBMs offer a flexible way to explore how local interactions can lead to emergent, system-wide behaviors.