Computational Evolution

Abstract

The paper presents an introduction to simulation models for evolutionary systems from three different points of view. Macro evolution is discussed in view of catastrophic events, like e.g. extinction events – and it is shown that these may occur at random, without external cause. Micro evolution is demonstrated looking at an actual physical problem. It turns out that there is an important distinction between natural evolution and the usage of evolutionary models for optimization purpose. In the third section we consider bottom-up evolution, by discussing a recent model for the generation of simplified discrete models for large arrays of regulatory circuits – to the end of creating artificial life. The author takes the liberty to mention links to economical systems whenever possible.