| How individual group members behave and interact can have dramatic effects on group level patterns, behaviors, and group success. Here I explore the effects of constituent agent behavior on group level patterns and interactions using both theoretical and empirical means. I aim to understand how behavioral decisions by individual agents alter and shape patterns at the group level.;I first explore a breadth of behaviors in response to a variety of stimuli in the intertidal sea anemone, Anthopleura elegantissima. Using a series of behavioral experiments and observational studies I explore movement, aggregation behavior, and agonistic encounters in this species. I use these studies and data from the literature to inform an agent based model of clone behavior. These studies give a fuller understanding of how clones of this species utilize clone specific behaviors in competition with one another for space in the intertidal, specifically, how neighboring clonal mats of this species can mitigate differences in individual agent fighting ability through differential movement rates. In rare cases, neighbors using dissimilar behavioral strategies can demonstrate group level equivalence in competitive ability.;I further explore group level dynamics through a theoretical model of a system that demonstrates a division of labor like A. elegantissima . This model is inspired by nest construction in Metapolybia wasps, where groups are ephemeral and reproductive success is dependent on groups completing two distinct tasks. I explore the conditions and variables that favor the coexistence of generalists, and their ability to do multiple tasks, with specialists, that are limited to performing only a single task. I find that despite generalists often erring and performing the wrong task they persist in the population. |
