The Royal Family: Applying a taximetric cluster analysis as an investigation into the role of plasticity in cyclic evolution
Keywords
Loading...
Authors
Issue Date
2012-10-30
Language
en
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Co-evolutionary algorithms are able to simulate multiple species evolving in a shared environment. Previously, master tournaments have been employed to establish more accurate fitness
measurements, in response to the Red Queen Effect. This study proposes to apply a taximetric
cluster analysis to master tournament data. This allows to build a hierarchical `family' tree,
based on the phenotypes (i.e. behaviours) displayed during the master tournament. Using this
approach, the study explores the following issues:
First, co-evolution often shows cycling dynamics, which might be related to phenotypic plasticity, i.e. cycling might promote plasticity while plasticity might suppress cycling. Using the
cluster analysis, this study shows that a cyclic phase in evolution might indeed be superseded
by a plastic phase. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the cluster analysis can be used in
further formalizing previously established results, such as that plastic individuals are able to
cope with multiple rigid individuals.
Secondly, a state of pseudo-plasticity might be realized on a genetic level. This study pro-
poses the existence of `switching genes', which control the expression of dormant phenotypes.
It is plausible such genes might play a role in cyclic phases of evolution as well, as they could
enable a species to adapt quickly, without resorting to costly ontogenics. The study shows that
cyclic phases are expectedly devoid of large genetic change. When randomly mutating families
from these phases, it is possible this could trigger switching genes, causing a switch in opponent
specialization. However, no such effect was clearly seen, possibly due to clouded data resulting
from an indiscriminate mutation technique employed.
Keywords: Co-evolution, cluster analysis, phenotypic plasticity, genetic pre-adaptability.
Description
Citation
Faculty
Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen