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

This paper discusses some general problems in applying individual-based mod els in ecology. The reasons why classical ecology did not use an individual -based approach are presented, as are theoretical and technical difficultie s related to this approach. It is then considered as a consequence of recen t 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 understa nding population stability. A brief critical evaluation of the importance o f chaotic population dynamics is also given. A criticism of individual-base d configuration models is presented, with suggestions concerning the furthe r progress of the individual-based approach. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.