Cognitive Control in Reactive Agents: surviving predators through the evolution of a circadian rhythm

Abstract

A theory of EEC proposes that the brain constitutes the role of a tra ffic regulator in simple behavior. In simulations was tested whether or not agents with a control structure, which could inhibit behavioral layers, lived longer than simple reactive agents. The world had a circadian day-night rhythm and a predator. By establishing a sleep-wake cycle the control structure agents improved their fitness. Especially when the control structure has a variable energy usage, depending on the amount of inhibition it exerts, the fitness is improved. The agents would also take siestas to save energy during the day. The behavior of the agents did not vary much between the different types of predators.