This paper introduces a new analysis tool called {\it reverse hillclimbing}, and demonstrates how it can be used to evaluate the performance of a genetic algorithm. Using reverse hillclimbing, one can calculate the exact probability that hillclimbing will attain some point in a landscape. From...

The choice of how to represent the search space for a genetic algorithm (GA) is critical to the GA's performance. Representations are usually engineered by hand and fixed for the duration of the GA run. Here a new method is described in which the degrees of freedom of the representation---i.e....

We explore a simplified class of models we call swarms, which are inspired by the collective behavior of social insects. We perform a mean-field stability analysis and numerical simulations of the model. Several interesting types of behavior emerge in the vicinity of a second-order phase...

We introduce the concept of Adaptively Rational Equilibrium (A.R.E.) where agents base decisions upon predictions of future values of endogenous variables whose actual values are determined by equilibration. Predictors are chosen from a finite set. Each predictor is a function of past...

RNA secondary structure folding algoithms predict the existence of connected networks of RNA sequences with identical secondary structures. Fitness landscapes that are basedon the mapping between RNA sequence and RNA secondary structure hence have many neutral paths. A neutral walk on these...

Alarm-calling behavior is common in many species that suffer from predation. While kin selection or reciprocal altruism are typically invoked to explain such a behaviour, several authors have conjectured that some alarm calls may instead be costly signals sent by prey to inform approaching...

Detailed calculation of the irreversible radiation processes leading to thermal radiation demonstrates that entropy is produced locally at each absorption and emission of a photon, lending strong support to an irreversible quantum theory.

Autocatalytic self-construction in macromolecular systems requires the existence of a reflexive relationship between structural components and the functional operations they perform to synthesize themselves. The possibility of reflexivity depends on formal features of the catalytic...

A model of decentralized trade is simulated with firms that produce a given commodity, and consumers who repeatedly wish to purchase on unit of that commodity. Consumers ``shop around,'' while firms may attract the attention of potential customers by sending information signals and offering good...

Genetic algorithms are computational models of evolution that play a central role in many artificial life models. We review the history and current scope of research on genetic algorithms in artificial life, using illustrative examples in which the genetic algorithms is used to study how...