Includes bibliographical references (pages 395-420) and index.

Introduction -- A primer to modeling -- Pattern-oriented modeling -- Theory in individual-based ecology -- A conceptual framework for designing individual-based models -- Examples -- Formulating individual-based models -- Software for individual-based models -- Analyzing individual-based models -- Communicating individual-based models and research -- Using analytical models in individual-based ecology. "This is the first in-depth treatment of individual-based modeling and how it can be used to understand how ecological systems work, an approach the authors call "individual-based ecology." This book will be helpful to any ecologist interested in modeling, and to any scientist interested in agent-based modeling."--Jacket.