n Enhanced Artificial Ecosystem: Investigating Emergence of Ecological Niches

This paper describes the new version of EcoSim, an individualbased predator-prey ecosystem simulation, using the updated 7points Overview-Design concepts-Details (ODD) standard protocol for describing the individual-based models. New sensing and action concepts have been added to the fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) of the individuals. In addition, new physical traits have been added to the current genome allowing different niches to emerge. Experimental results demonstrated that different ecological niches emerged with a co-evolution of highly differentiated behavior and physical traits.