Effects of anisotropic interactions on the structure of animal groups

Authored by Emiliano Cristiani, Paolo Frasca, Benedetto Piccoli

Date Published: 2011-04

DOI: 10.1007/s00285-010-0347-7

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

This paper proposes an agent-based model which reproduces different structures of animal groups. The shape and structure of the group is the effect of simple interaction rules among individuals: each animal deploys itself depending on the position of a limited number of close group mates. The proposed model is shown to produce clustered formations, as well as lines and V-like formations. The key factors which trigger the onset of different patterns are argued to be the relative strength of attraction and repulsion forces and, most important, the anisotropy in their application.

Tags

Agent-based models self-organization Animal groups Anisotropic interactions Coordinated behavior