A Stress-based Speciation Model in LifeDrop

Marc Métivier*, Claude Lattaud*, Jean-Claude Heudin**
* Laboratoire d'Intelligence Artificielle de Paris 5
UFR de Mathématiques et d'Informatique, Centre Universitaire des Saints Pères
45, rue des Saints Pères 75006 Paris - France
{metivier, lattaud}@math-info.univ-paris5.fr
** International Institute of Multimedia, Pôle Universitaire Léonard de Vinci
92916 La Défense Cedex -- France
Jean-Claude.Heudin@devinci.fr

Abstract:

This paper presents a stress-based speciation  model implemented within LifeDrop,  a virtual world with bio-inspired agents.  In this model, individuals are distributed among species separated by a ``barrier" mechanism preventing the reproduction between individuals of different species. An analysis of species dynamics in relation to stress is presented. Results show diversity maintenance and a reactive capacity during crisis situations favoring the emergence of new species.