Evolutionary Emergence of Purposeful Adaptive Behavior in Simple Agents

Title: Evolutionary Emergence of Purposeful Adaptive Behavior in Simple Agents

Abstract: This research investigates the evolutionary emergence of purposeful adaptive behavior in simple agents. The agents have two natural needs: energy and reproduction, which are characterized by quantitative motivations. These motivations determine goal-directed behavior of agents. The study proposes a model where purposeful behavior emerges in evolving populations of agents in a simple environment. The model demonstrates that the emergence of purposefulness is accompanied by the origin of a simple hierarchy in the control system of agents.

Main Research Question: How can purposeful adaptive behavior emerge in simple agents through evolutionary processes?

Methodology: The study uses a computational model with simple agents living in a one-dimensional linear environment. Each agent has two needs: energy and reproduction, which are quantified by motivations. The agents perform actions such as resting, moving, jumping, eating, and mating. The environment provides food patches that grow over time. Agents evolve through a genetic mechanism, where their genomes code for the synaptic weights of their neural networks. This allows for the agents to learn and adapt their behavior over time.

Results: The research shows that purposeful behavior emerges in the agents as they evolve. This is accompanied by the development of a simple hierarchy in the control system of the agents. The agents become better at satisfying their needs, leading to the emergence of purposeful adaptive behavior.

Implications: This study provides insights into how purposeful behavior can emerge in simple agents through evolutionary processes. It suggests that the concept of motivation plays a crucial role in this emergence. The research also highlights the importance of a simple hierarchy in the control system of agents for the development of purposeful adaptive behavior.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that purposeful adaptive behavior can emerge in simple agents through evolutionary processes. This is achieved through the development of a simple hierarchy in the control system of the agents, which allows them to learn and adapt their behavior over time. The research highlights the role of motivations in this process and provides valuable insights into the emergence of purposeful behavior in simple agents.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0110021v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0110021v1