Reproduction creates a new computational individual by combining traits from selected parents, then applying random mutation. It turns fitness into a mechanism for evolving better trait combinations. section 2.4.1
A simple evolutionary reproduction cycle:
- Select the higher-fitness half of the population as parents. section 2.4.1
- Choose random pairs and create children whose traits average the parents’ corresponding traits. section 2.4.1
- Mutate children probabilistically by shifting traits within bounded ranges. section 2.4.1
Trait optimization
A life simulation evaluates traits a, b, and c with a weighted fitness equation. Reproduction favors individuals with successful trait values, while mutation preserves variation for further search. section 2.4.1
