Bridging natural and artificial evolution

Abstract

In this talk I will show how artificial evolution can be used to address biological questions and explain phenomena for which there is no fossil record or no experimental evidence, such evolution of behavior, altruism, and communication. I will give examples related to insects and plants. Central to this endeavor is how selection mechanisms are applied and interpreted. I will also show how selection pressure can be lifted in artificial evolution and lead to open-ended evolution in dynamic and changing environments.