Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.3897/ibe.1.147788
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) A manifesto for Individual-based Ecology
Author Grimm, V.; Hauber, M.E.; Berger, U.; Meyer, K.M.; Railsback, S.F.
Source Titel Individual-based Ecology
Year 2025
Department OESA
Volume 1
Page From e147788
Language englisch
Topic T5 Future Landscapes
Keywords Environmental change; individual-based ecology; novel conditions; paradigm; predictions; unification
Abstract Ecology traditionally has been fragmented into separate branches that emphasise different localities, ecosystems, habitats, levels of organisation, applications, etc., and that use distinct terminologies and methods. Individual-based ecology (IBE) can unify these branches. By taking into account the variation, behaviours, and interactions of individual organisms, IBE links the responses of organisms to the responses of ecological systems: if we understand enough about individuals, we can predict complex system dynamics, even under novel conditions. But we must also consider the system level to know what characteristics of individuals are important. In IBE, both individual and system levels are considered simultaneously, either by collecting data at both levels or at least by linking data observed at one level to existing patterns or theories at the other level. Through this comprehensive perspective, IBE unifies the many separate branches of ecology. Methodological and conceptual advances already developed in the 21st century allow us both to make observations at both individual and system levels and to link them using individual-based models. These advances are transforming IBE from a vision into a feasible and necessary approach that makes ecology fit for addressing the shifts and challenges of the future.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=30624
Grimm, V., Hauber, M.E., Berger, U., Meyer, K.M., Railsback, S.F. (2025):
A manifesto for Individual-based Ecology
Individual-based Ecology 1 , e147788 10.3897/ibe.1.147788