The VE is set apart by what it does not delineate. There are no species, and no individuals. Cells act independently, and must cooperate to form multicellular units. cells may individually choose to calcify, to move, or to contract ## Core idea The environment is defined by the surronding agents. Each agent interacts with the other agnets in the environment in several possible ways: - sexual reproduction - competition for limited energy resources - physical interactions Would love to see brachiation (!) On death, - calcified body parts remain after death - can form complex environments for future generations