| Type | Based on Differential Equations | Based on Stochastic Processes | Based on Individuals |
| Theory | Differential Equations | Markovian Processes | Cellular Automata |
| Time | Continuous | Continuous or discrete | Discrete |
| Status Individual | Continuous | Discrete | Discrete |
| Individual Interaction | No | No | Yes |
| Adaptive range | Individuals with random movement | Small number of individuals | Large number of individuals |
| Modeldescription | Differential equations | Markov chains in continuous or discrete time | Stochastic evolution rules |