Simulation of Invertebrate Aggregation Shows the Importance of Stable Personality over Diversity in Consensus Decision-Making

Authored by Mark Pogson

Date Published: 2016

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165082

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: Python

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

Aggregation of many species of invertebrate is an example of a consensus decision, the success of which is central to survival. Personality is a stable form of behavioural diversity which has been observed in the aggregation process, but neither the reasons for its stability nor its effects on consensus decisions are well understood. By using an agent-based model of invertebrate aggregation, it is found that diverse personalities have only limited benefits to the experimental consensus decision-making process, but may have a more valuable role in natural settings. Importantly, although certain personalities may ostensibly have potential drawbacks at the individual level, such as choosing to rest in unfavourable places, all individuals are likely to benefit from maintaining a constant personality, which promotes group stability. These findings help to improve understanding of consensus decision-making and the prevalence of stable personality.

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swarm evolutionary Decomposition Terrestrial isopods isopoda Leaf-litter Woodlice Oniscidea