Illustrating Evolutionary Computation with Mathematica

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Programming by Evolution

Living organisms are consummate problem solvers. They exhibit a versatility that puts the best computer programs to shame. This observation is especially galling for computer scientists, who may spend months or years of intellectual effort on an algorithm, whereas organisms come by their abilities through the apparently undirected mechanism of evolution and natural selection.

Holland 1992b

Evolution: nature’s programming method

The development of an embryo into an adult living being is controlled by an incredible number of complex, interacting “growth programs.” Each cell “knows” exactly how it must develop in relation to neighboring cells, which proteins are to be produced, and in which way to differentiate for ...