This model simulates complex ecosystem dynamics within a three-dimensional environment using an extended Boids framework that includes predator-prey interactions and resource competition. The main objective is to explore how changes in behavior and environment settings affect population sustainability and energy dynamics among predators and prey.
The model incorporates several agent behaviors: alignment, cohesion, and separation to simulate flocking dynamics. Predators hunt prey to gain energy, while prey consume environmental resources (leaves) to survive. Agents possess a finite amount of energy that depletes with activity, influencing their survival and reproductive capabilities. The environment includes spatial boundaries that agents must navigate, creating a more dynamic interaction space.
Cohesion | Separation | Alignment |
---|---|---|
Note: For a demonstration of the Minimized Vision effect, see the corresponding GIF:
- Setup Button: Initializes the simulation with the specified number of predators, prey, and environmental features.
- Go Button: Starts the simulation, allowing the agents to move according to the defined rules.
Sliders:
- Population: Adjusts the number of prey at the start of the simulation.
- Vision: Sets the distance each agent can perceive its surroundings, affecting its interactions.
- Population-Predator: Determines the initial number of predators.
- Minimum-Separation: Defines the minimum distance agents try to maintain from each other.
- Max-Align-Turn: Controls the maximum angle agents can turn towards the average heading of their flockmates per tick.
- Max-Cohere-Turn: Sets the maximum turning angle towards the average position of nearby agents to maintain group cohesion.
- Max-Separate-Turn: Limits the maximum turning angle away from nearby agents to avoid collision.
Switches:
- Unlimited-Energy?: When turned on, agents do not deplete energy, removing the energy constraint from behavior.
Monitors and Plots:
- Population Plot: Tracks the number of predators and prey over time.
- Energy Levels Plot: Displays the change in energy levels for prey, predators, and the availability of leaves.
Observe how the initial conditions set by the sliders affect the population dynamics. Notice how quickly energy levels change and how they correlate with population changes. Pay attention to how the Unlimited-Energy?
switch impacts the survival and behavior of agents.
- Maximize and the
Vision
slider while minimizing other parameters likeMax-Align-Turn
to see how enhanced perception affects the agents' ability to survive and form flocks. Then try the opposite. - Experiment with different levels of
Minimum-Separation
to observe how crowd density affects collision rates and overall flock movement. - For a comprehensive test run utilizing all parameters, toggle the
Unlimited-Energy?
switch on, setVision
andMax-Align-Turn
to their maximum values, adjustMinimum-Separation
andMax-Cohere-Turn
to mid-levels, and keepMax-Separate-Turn
on the lower end. This setup will allow you to observe how high perception and alignment capabilities impact agent behavior when energy constraints are removed, while still maintaining a moderate degree of cohesion and minimal separation.
- Add age attributes to agents to introduce generational changes and life cycles.
- Implement varying energy gain from leaves depending on their type or nutritional value.
- Include seasonal changes that affect resource availability and agent behavior.
This model utilizes NetLogo's 3D capabilities to simulate agent movement and interaction in a spatially complex environment. Custom sliders and switches are used to manipulate variables in real-time, allowing dynamic exploration of ecological theories.
- Wolf Sheep Predation: Similar predator-prey dynamics but in a simpler ecological model.
- Flocking: Basic behaviors of flock formation and movement dynamics.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Omar Addam for attending the guest lecture and presenting his inspiring project on Boids simulation, which significantly influenced the development of my own project. I am also profoundly thankful to Professor Christian Jacob for his invaluable discussions and insights regarding this project and for his exceptional lectures, which have greatly enriched my understanding of the subject.