Advanced Sugar+Spice Dual-Resource Economy

This advanced Sugarscape implementation extends the classic Epstein & Axtell model with a comprehensive dual-resource system, mathematical distribution patterns, and complex ecological dynamics.

Core Systems

Dual Resource Economy

• Sugar: Primary resource for agent metabolism and reproduction
• Spice: Secondary resource that enables trading and wealth accumulation
• Trading System: Agents can exchange resources based on supply/demand ratios
• Gini Coefficient: Real-time wealth inequality measurement

Mathematical Distribution Patterns

• Uniform: Equal distribution across the grid
• Random: Stochastic resource placement
• Clustered: Resource-rich and resource-poor regions
• Gradient: Radial resource distribution patterns
• Peaks: Mountain-like resource concentrations
• Fractal (Mandelbrot): Complex self-similar patterns
• Perlin Noise: Natural-looking organic distributions
• Game Theory (PD): Prisoner’s Dilemma resource dynamics
• Edge of Chaos: Complex system boundary conditions
• Metapopulation: Island biogeography model
• Pareto (80/20): Power-law wealth distribution

Agent Dynamics

Advanced Agent Behaviors

• Vision Range: Configurable perception distance (1-20 units)
• Metabolism Rates: Separate rates for sugar and spice consumption
• Age System: Maximum lifespan with reproduction mechanics
• Reproduction Threshold: Minimum wealth required for reproduction
• Spawn Patterns: Random, clustered, grid, corners, or center placement

Social Dynamics

• Trade Networks: Emergent economic relationships between agents
• Wealth Inequality: Gini coefficient tracking and visualization
• Population Dynamics: Birth/death cycles based on resource availability

Environmental Systems

Pollution & Disease

• Pollution System: Environmental degradation from resource extraction
• Disease Dynamics: Contagious spread through agent populations
• Ecological Feedback: Systems that affect resource regeneration

Resource Regeneration

• Sugar Regrowth: Configurable regeneration rates (0-10)
• Spice Regrowth: Independent regeneration for spice resources
• Environmental Impact: Pollution effects on regeneration rates

Interactive Dashboard

Real-time Controls

• Grid Size: Dynamic grid dimensions (10x10 to 200x200)
• Simulation Speed: Adjustable time scaling (10ms to 1000ms per step)
• Parameter Sliders: Live adjustment of all system variables
• System Toggles: Enable/disable pollution, disease, and trading

Visualization Options

• Color Schemes: Neon, Classic, and Heatmap visualization modes
• Layer Toggles: Show/hide sugar, spice, agents, and pollution
• Statistics Panel: Real-time metrics and Gini coefficient
• Event Logging: Lifecycle and behavioral event tracking

Technical Features

Performance & Scalability

• Canvas Rendering: Efficient 2D graphics with 800x600 display area
• Real-time Updates: Live parameter adjustment without simulation restart
• Memory Management: Optimized for large agent populations (up to 1000 agents)

Educational Value

• Emergent Behavior: Observe complex patterns from simple rules
• Mathematical Modeling: Explore game theory and economic principles
• Systems Thinking: Understand interconnected ecological and social dynamics

Research Applications

This implementation serves as a platform for studying:

• Complex Systems: Emergence of order from simple rules
• Economic Modeling: Wealth distribution and trading dynamics
• Ecological Simulation: Resource competition and environmental impact
• Social Dynamics: Agent interaction and population behavior

The advanced features make this Sugarscape implementation suitable for educational purposes, research, and exploring the boundaries of agent-based modeling.