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USim, a live java application, below, simulates the evolutionary development of two-dimensional artificial lifeforms that move in a liquid environment. At the beginning of the simulation there are randomly generated individuals and a number of food-squares distributed at random. The number of food-squares is determined by the number of existing individuals. This means that the biomass of the whole system is constant. Each individual has a treelike structure defined by a simple genetic code. When an individual encounters a food-square it eats the square, leading to an increase in the indivdual's life-energy. When an individual reaches a certain age, the statistical probability of reproduction increases along with its life-energy. The asexual reproduction consists of laying eggs, symbolized by yellow squares. Each egg reduces the life-energy of an individual and has to be recharged by consuming additional food-squares. Every new individual inherits the genetic code from its parent, eventually including some minor mutations. An individual dies when it reaches a certain age or when its life-energy has decreased to zero.
Courtesy of Dietmar Jarosch Evolution has been simulated here since March, 2002. The Tutorials Menu The Truth Tree Position Statement on Evolution Evolution Forum Watch an Online Demonstration of Evolution (java)
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