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GenePool Swimbots

Math Chaos

Evolutionary Dynamics: GenePool

Section titled “Evolutionary Dynamics: GenePool”

GenePool is a virtual aquarium where “swimbots”—proto-swimming robots—compete for mates and food. This project illustrates the profound effects of Darwinian evolution, natural selection, and sexual selection within a closed ecosystem.

Core Concept

Section titled “Core Concept”

The simulation allows you to witness the emergence of complex behaviors and morphologies from simple evolutionary rules. Swimbots possess genetic traits that determine their physical structure and swimming mechanics.

Natural Selection

Section titled “Natural Selection”

Swimmers that are more efficient at locating food (algae) survive longer and have more opportunities to reproduce. Those that cannot find food eventually perish.

Sexual Selection

Section titled “Sexual Selection”

Mate preference plays a significant role in GenePool. Swimmers choose mates based on certain genetic criteria, which can lead to the emergence of distinct “races” or lineages with unique characteristics.

Key Features

Section titled “Key Features”

Darwinian Evolution

Real-time emergence of swimming skills and adaptive strategies over generations.

Genetic Diversity

Every pool starts with random genomes, leading to a unique evolutionary outcome every time.

Mate Preference

Explore how non-random mating affects the evolutionary trajectory of a population.

JavaScript Engine

Pure, performant JavaScript simulation detached from UI logic for maximum research flexibility.

Simulation Mechanics

Section titled “Simulation Mechanics”

  1. Initialization A new pool is populated with swimbots having randomized genetic code.

  2. Energy Management Swimbots consume energy to move. They must eat food pellets to replenish their energy levels.

  3. Reproduction When two swimbots meet and satisfy each other’s mate preferences, they produce offspring with combined genetic material (crossover) and occasional mutations.

  4. Emergence Over time (typically ~30 minutes), dominant traits and efficient swimming skills become prevalent across the population.

Architecture

Section titled “Architecture”

The project is designed with a clear separation between the simulation core and the browser-specific UI/UX.

  • Core Simulation: Pure JavaScript object-oriented logic.
  • Visuals: Canvas-based rendering for real-time observation of the virtual aquarium.
  • Extensibility: Includes a basic API for developers to create custom scenarios or educational levels.