Evolvable Self-Replicating Molecules in an Artificial Chemistry

This paper gives details of Squirm3, a new artificial environment based on a simple physics and chemistry that supports self-replicating molecules somewhat similar to DNA. The self-replicators emerge spontaneously from a random soup given the right conditions. Interactions between the replicators can result in mutated versions that can out-perform their parents. We show how artificial chemistries such as this one can be implemented as a cellular automaton. We concur with [9] that artificial chemistries are a good medium in which to study early evolution.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: ALIFE
• Authors: Tim J. Hutton
• Keywords: ALIFE 2002, ALIFE 2007, Random Soup, Right Conditions, Simple Physics