We present an agent-based modeling framework which allows to represent and analyze ecological systems that include phenotypic changes in individual performances and indirect interactions within heterogeneous and temporal changing environments. We denote this structure of interacting components as COmplex Interaction Network (COIN).
Three examples illustrate the potential of the system to analyze complex ecological processes that incorporate changing phenotypes on the individual level:
Keywords: Phenotypic plasticity; Indirect interactions; Complex interaction networks (COIN); Agent-based modeling; Individual-based modeling; Plant morphology; Fish energetics; Time-energy budgets; Rutilus rutilus; Erithacus rubecula; Alnus glutinosa