Evolutionary computation

Evolution does not require DNA, or even living organisms. In computer scien ce, the field known as 'evolutionary computation' uses evolution as an algo rithmic tool, implementing random variation, reproduction and selection by altering and moving data within a computer. This harnesses the power of evo lution as an alternative to the more traditional ways to design software or hardware. Research into evolutionary computation should be of interest to geneticists, as evolved programs often reveal properties - such as robustne ss and non-expressed DNA - that are analogous to many biological phenomena.