MODELING AND SIMULATING MORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION IN AN ARTIFICIAL LIFEENVIRONMENT

This paper presents a computer-based environment designed to study bio logical evolution considering morphological aspects. It was inspired o n cellular automata and evolutionary algorithm principles. Simple rule s are used to determine the genotype and phenotype of individuals and their relationships with behavioral aspects in a square matrix environ ment, where individuals can evolve. Two methods to simulate mutational errors and to introduce variability of mutations are discussed. A ser ies of four simulations show that the model promotes phenotype evoluti on depending on the distribution of food over the environment; morphol ogy evolved as to favor movement of the individuals towards the portio n of the environment in which the food has been distributed or to capt ure falling food, (C) 1998 academic Press.