Chapter 4

Global Dynamics Emerging from Local Interactions: Agent-Based Modeling for the Life Sciences

David Gammack*, Elsa Schaefer* and Holly Gaff, *Department of Mathematics, Marymount University, Arlington, VA, USA, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA, dgammack@marymount.edu

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 Agent-Based Modeling and the Biology Mind Set

Agent-based (or individual-based) models (ABMs) are stochastic simulations built on interactions between individuals in a population (agents) or a set of populations and their environment. The modeler defines an ABM by identifying a set of autonomous agents, each defined by individual characteristics, who interact locally using adaptive behavior that is based ...

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