Framsticks Artificial Life 5.0.6

This application provides a platform for users to engage with simple simulated organisms and observe their evolutionary processes. It incorporates various genetic representations, where each symbol within a genotype delineates specific traits of a creature, known as its phenotype. Each representation offers unique mechanisms for mutation—modifying elements of the genotype—and crossover—the exchange of genetic material between two parent organisms to produce offspring.

The performance assessment of these creatures is based on several metrics, including terrestrial speed, aquatic speed, and the height of their center of mass. Users can establish these criteria as fitness parameters. The inclusion of mutation and crossover functions enables a dynamic evolutionary process, allowing for real-time observation of how fitness evolves within the population.

In addition to this automated evolution, users have the option to steer developmental outcomes by selecting preferred creatures for reproduction, thus facilitating the generation of random variations. For those versed in genetic languages, there is an advanced feature allowing manual gene editing—enabling users to add or remove genetic symbols to create desired organisms or enhance existing ones.

The app also includes quests designed to enhance understanding of genetic languages and essential evolutionary concepts such as convergence, diversity, selection pressure, mutation rate impacts, and population size effects. Experienced users may explore custom fitness formulas, potentially aiming to optimize multiple traits, such as height and speed simultaneously or even expanding the criteria further.

Additionally, several demonstrations illustrate principles of directed (external fitness) and undirected (internal fitness) evolution, as well as key concepts like mutation, swarming behavior, and communication within populations.

This application is grounded in the Framsticks simulator framework. Additional information can be found at www.framsticks.com.