Some Considerations on the Reason for Bloat

A representation-less model for genetic programming is presented. The model is intended to examine the mechanisms that lead to bloat in genetic programming (GP). We discuss two hypotheses ("fitness causes bloat" and "neutral code is protective") and perform simulations to examine the predictions deduced from these hypotheses. Our observation is that predictions from both hypotheses are realized in the simulated model.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: GPEM
• Authors: Wolfgang Banzhaf, William B. Langdon
• Keywords: Genetic Programming, GPEM 2002, Hypotheses, Model