Abstract
Biological organisms exhibit spectacular adaptation to their environments. However, another marvel of biology lurks behind the adaptive traits that organisms exhibit over the course of their lifespans: it is hypothesized that biological organisms also exhibit adaptation to the evolutionary process itself. That is, biological organisms are thought to possess traits that facilitate evolution. The term evolvability was coined to describe this type of adaptation. The question of evolvability has special practical relevance to computer science researchers engaged in longstanding efforts to harness evolution as an algorithm for automated design. It is hoped that a more nuanced understanding of biological evolution will translate to more powerful digital evolution techniques. This thesis presents a theoretical overview of evolvability, illustrated with examples from biology and evolutionary computing.
First Advisor
America Chambers
Second Advisor
Adam Smith
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Rights
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Date of Award
Spring 5-14-2017
Department
Computer Science
Recommended Citation
Moreno, Matthew, "Evolvability: What Is It and How Do We Get It?" (2017). Honors Program Theses. 22.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/honors_program_theses/22
Included in
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Commons, Evolution Commons, Other Computer Sciences Commons