Is Echo a Complex Adaptive System?

We evaluate whether John Holland's Echo model exemplifies his theory of complex adaptive systems. After reviewing Holland's theory of complex adaptive systems and describing his Echo model, we describe and explain the characteristic evolutionary behavior observed in a series of Echo model runs. We conclude that Echo lacks the diversity of hierarchically organized aggregates that typify complex adaptive systems, and we explore possible explanations for this failure. Keywords Echo, John Holland, complex adaptive systems, artificial life, genetic algorithms.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2000
• Where: EC
• Authors: Richard Smith, Mark A. Bedau
• Keywords: Complex Adaptive Systems, EC 2000, Echo Model, ECommerce, John Holland