8
X-Machines for Agent-Based Modeling: FLAME Perspectives
ant path being created, that deviates from water. This is an important
ability to ensure survival in changing environments.
1.6.1 Adaptation
Adaptation is the ability of individuals changing their behavior or functions
to survive better in their present conditions. Examples include developing
ability to run faster or hiding from predators. In evolution, organisms with
successful adapting capabilities will grow, improving on their likelihood to
survive.
Karl Sims [181] presented his work on artificial life, where he displayed
evolution in action by creating a computer simulated block creature that had
rectangular blocks hinged together. Each block was flexible and allowed to
move, such that the creature could restructure itself to suit to the environment
it was in.
FIGURE 1.4: Examples of Karl Sims’s creatures. cf. [180].
The creatures were evolving towards a common goal, which was to swim
as fast as they could through a water environment (Figure 1.4). Simulated
results showed that there were no optimum solutions, as creatures could not
understand water mechanics and its behavior. However, the results showed
new designs quickly generated, increasing the rate of survival for creatures in
water. Sim’s experiments showed evolution was at play when performed with
particular goals for survival.
Through various successful adaptations, an emergent behavior can be observed, seen as an outsider view of the system. This is known as evolutionary
drive in the system, as conditions and time force individuals to change.
Evolution is a term borrowed from biology, where organism populations
adapt from one generation to the other. Over time, generations accumulate
X-Machines for Agent-Based Modeling: FLAME Perspectives
ant path being created, that deviates from water. This is an important
ability to ensure survival in changing environments.
1.6.1 Adaptation
Adaptation is the ability of individuals changing their behavior or functions
to survive better in their present conditions. Examples include developing
ability to run faster or hiding from predators. In evolution, organisms with
successful adapting capabilities will grow, improving on their likelihood to
survive.
Karl Sims [181] presented his work on artificial life, where he displayed
evolution in action by creating a computer simulated block creature that had
rectangular blocks hinged together. Each block was flexible and allowed to
move, such that the creature could restructure itself to suit to the environment
it was in.
FIGURE 1.4: Examples of Karl Sims’s creatures. cf. [180].
The creatures were evolving towards a common goal, which was to swim
as fast as they could through a water environment (Figure 1.4). Simulated
results showed that there were no optimum solutions, as creatures could not
understand water mechanics and its behavior. However, the results showed
new designs quickly generated, increasing the rate of survival for creatures in
water. Sim’s experiments showed evolution was at play when performed with
particular goals for survival.
Through various successful adaptations, an emergent behavior can be observed, seen as an outsider view of the system. This is known as evolutionary
drive in the system, as conditions and time force individuals to change.
Evolution is a term borrowed from biology, where organism populations
adapt from one generation to the other. Over time, generations accumulate