Emergent Collective Reproduction via Evolving Neuronal Flocks

TL;DR

This paper introduces VitaNova, an artificial life framework demonstrating how simple agents can evolve into cohesive, reproductive groups through self-organization and natural selection, shedding light on evolutionary transitions in individuality.

Contribution

The study presents a novel simulation platform that combines self-organization and evolution to model the emergence of collective reproduction, advancing understanding of ETIs.

Findings

Agents evolve into cohesive reproductive groups

Self-organization and evolution synergize in ETIs

VitaNova offers new empirical insights into biological individuality

Abstract

This study facilitates the understanding of evolutionary transitions in individuality (ETIs) through a novel artificial life framework, named VitaNova, that intricately merges self-organization and natural selection to simulate the emergence of complex, reproductive groups. By dynamically modelling individual agents within an environment that challenges them with predators and spatial constraints, VitaNova elucidates the mechanisms by which simple agents evolve into cohesive units exhibiting collective reproduction. The findings underscore the synergy between self-organized behaviours and adaptive evolutionary strategies as fundamental drivers of ETIs. This approach not only contributes to a deeper understanding of higher-order biological individuality but also sets a new precedent in the empirical investigation of ETIs, challenging and extending current theoretical frameworks.