Hybrid roles of adaptation and optimization in formation of vascular network

It was hypothesized that the structures of biological transport networks are the result of either energy consumption or adaptation dynamics. Although approaches based on these hypotheses can produce optimal network and form loop structures, we found that neither possesses complete ability to generate complex networks that resemble vascular network in living organisms, which motivated us to propose a hybrid approach. This approach can replicate the path dependency phenomenon of main branches and produce an optimal network that resembles the real vascular network. We further show that there is a clear transition in the structural pattern of the vascular network, shifting from `chive-like' to dendritic configuration after a period of sequenced adaptation and optimization.