Evolvability Via Modularity-Induced Mutational Focussing

Abstract. This work postulates a mechanism by which random genotypic variation is directed towards favourable phenotypic variation. Evolvability is a poorly understood concept at present; it is unclear precisely how the genotype-phenotype map aligns random genotypic mutation with favourable phenotypic variation. By static analysis of the distribution of functionality within the genotype, an emergent bias in the representation of the adapted and maladapted is shown. This bias is facilitated by a form of reuse modularity, and it serves to direct phenotypic variation to where there is selective opportunity.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2008
• Where: EUROGP
• Authors: Richard M. Downing
• Keywords: EUROGP 2008, Favourable Phenotypic Variation, Genotypic Mutation, Optimization, Random Genotypic Variation