Individual-based models and the individual-based approach to population ecology

This paper discusses some general problems in applying individual-based models in ecology. The reasons why classical ecology did not use an individual-based approach are presented, as are theoretical and technical difficulties related to this approach. It is then considered as a consequence of recent progress in evolutionary ecology. The need for clear distinctions between individual variation, skewness, asymmetric competition and monopolization of resources is discussed, since these concepts are fundamental to understanding population stability. A brief critical evaluation of the importance of chaotic population dynamics is also given. A criticism of individual-based configuration models is presented, with suggestions concerning the further progress of the individual-based approach. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.