Evolution and gradualness.

R Rada

doi:10.1016/0303-2647(81)90070-8

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Evolution and gradualness.

R Rada

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Abstract

Evolutionary systems are commonly considered to have fundamental properties: (1) elements (or organisms) in the system reproduce with mutation and (2) only the fit elements survive. I propose that evolutionary systems have a third property - the property of gradualness. A system has gradualness, if, and only if, small changes in an element usually lead to small changes in that element's fitness. I have formalized a framework from which attempts to design evolutionary systems might proceed. Of particular importance are the criteria, based on the notion of perpetuation, which a system's behavior must satisfy in order to be considered evolutionary. By my standards, no computer programs have been designed that manifest meaningful evolutionary behavior.

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Biological Evolution Mathematics Models, Biological Mutation Journal Article Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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R Rada. 1981. Evolution and gradualness.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0303-2647(81)90070-8

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