Inferring Equation-Based Models from Agent-Based Models: A Case Study in Competition Dynamics

摘要

Two types of model, equation-based models (EBMs) and agent-based models (ABMs) are now widely used in modeling ecological complex systems and seem not to be reconciled. While ABMs can help in exploring and explain ing the local causes of global phenomena, EBMs are useful for predicting their long-term evolution without having to explore them through simulated experi ments. In this paper, we show that it is possible to use an ABM to infer an EBM. Base on the case study, a dynamics of two competing species, we illu strate our methodology through the presentation of two models: an ABM and an EBM. We also show that the two models give the same results on coexistence of the two competing species.