What is Gridworld? Gridworld is an artificial life simulator in which abstract virtual creatures compete for food and struggle for survival. Conditions in this two-dimensional ecosystem are right for evolution to occur through natural selection. Creatures live short and replicate fast. Evolution can therefore be observed in hours instead of thousands of years. how to use it? The cool thing about evolution is that it is an autonomous process that requires no guiding hand.You can simply start a simulation and take your hands of completely. When you come back to check after a day or two, you will find a thriving eco system of virtual creatures. You can do more than just simply observing though. Gridworld's simulations are highly customizable. The user interface allows you to tweak any simulation parameter or change the environment as you like. This way
A creature up close. The little colored cells inside the creature are neurons. Every type of neuron has a different color.
This is just the coolest thing ever. What's the longest simulation you've ever ran? Has a complete extinction ever occurred? What's the most interesting behavior ever developed? What specifically does each of the different kind of neurons do?
See my private message for more in depth answers.
the longest simulation I've run is a week. extinction sometimes happen yes, especially in multicellular creatures.
The most interesting behavior are arms races/ predator-pray co-evolution and viruses.
There are about 50 types of different neurons. Its a bit to much to all explain them now, but I am planning on writing a manual.