A Multispecies Cross-Diffusion Model for Territorial Development

TL;DR

This paper introduces a generalized agent-based cross-diffusion model for territorial development involving multiple groups, analyzes its behavior, derives continuum equations, and explores phase transitions and segregation phenomena.

Contribution

It extends previous models to multiple groups, derives continuum PDEs from the discrete system, and investigates new variations with distinct segregation dynamics.

Findings

Groups segregate under certain parameters in three-group systems.

Derived continuum convection-diffusion equations exhibit cross-diffusion effects.

Model variations show different phase transition behaviors.

Abstract

We develop an agent-based model on a lattice to investigate territorial development motivated by markings such as graffiti, generalizing a previously-published model to account for $K$ groups instead of two groups. We then analyze this model and present two novel variations. Our model assumes that agents' movement is a biased random walk and that the agents' movement is away from rival groups' markings. All interactions between agents is indirect, mediated through the markings. We numerically demonstrate that in a system of three groups, the groups segregate in certain parameter regimes. Starting from the discrete model, we also formally derive the continuum system of $2K$ convection-diffusion equations for our model. These equations exhibit cross-diffusion due to the avoidance of the rival groups' markings. Linear stability analysis is performed to study the phase transition that the system undergoes as parameters are varied. Two new variations of the model are introduced and numerically studied. Both exhibit a phase transition, with segregation dynamics that are distinct both from each other and from the original model.