Emergent behavior refers to complex patterns or properties that arise from simple interactions among individual components in a system. This phenomenon is often observed in various fields, such as biology, sociology, and computer science. For example, the flocking of birds or the formation of traffic patterns can be understood as emergent behavior, where the overall movement is not directed by a single leader but results from the local interactions of individuals. In computer science, emergent behavior can be seen in artificial intelligence systems, where simple algorithms lead to unexpected and sophisticated outcomes. Similarly, in ecosystems, the interactions between different species can create stability or chaos, demonstrating how individual actions contribute to the larger system's dynamics.