Boids Tutorial - Variations of the Basic Simulation

The boids simulation has become an often cited example of the principles of ALife. Flocking is a particularly clear example of a crucial principle within ALife - the concept of emergence.

Since Craig Reynolds's initial simulation, many variations on the concept have been devised both in 2D and 3D. Here are just some:

• Obstacle Avoidance
  http://library.thinkquest.org/2966/Alife/Boids/?tqskip=1
  This simulation returns back to Reynolds' initial simulation, by allowing the user to insert barriers which the birds must avoid.

• Two Different Species
  http://library.thinkquest.org/2966/Alife/Boids/?tqskip=1
  The simulation above also contains two different species. Each species is drawn towards its own species, and tries to move away from the other species.

• Food
  http://www.digitalbiology.com/contents/example6.html
  This simulation models a fish tank, where the fish are attracted to the food flakes that periodically fall, or are user inserted, into the tank.

• Predator and Flock as Prey
  http://www.codepuppies.com/~steve/aqua.html
  In this simulation, the boids (fish) need to avoid a predator (shark).

• The Flock as Predators to a Stranger
  http://www.aridolan.com/JavaFloys.html
  The first of three simulations written by Arial Dolan. In this one, when a stranger is inserted into the population, the flock seek out and kill it.

• Individual Boids
  http://www.aridolan.com/JavaFloys.html
  Each floy ( Dolan's name for his boids) can have different characteristics ( eg strength of desire to be near its neighbours).

• Evolutionary Boids
  http://www.aridolan.com/JavaFloys.html
  These floys are also terretorial, however new generations are born who inherit characteristics from the previous generation. This simulation builds on the genetic algorithm approach from Artificial Intelligence.

  Details of these and other boid simulations can be found within the links page ( accessed by clicking 'Links' in the menu bar).

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