Opposed to traditional mathematical methods, the technique of individual-oriented modelling chooses distinguishable individuals as the basic entities of description. An ecosystem is described by all static and dynamic properties of the individuals involved in the system as well as time varying properties of the environment.
Individuals change their state over time or due to internal and external events.
The process of implementing individual-oriented models is facilitated by providing classes for those parts, that are common to all such models. Individuals may perform actions at any time during the simulation process. Actions may be triggered by the individuals themselves, by other individuals or by external events. Specification of dynamically changing environments. Cells of the environment are active objects as individuals are.