A model for the interaction of learning and evolution

DOPAZO, H.; GORDON, M.; PERAZZO, R.; RISSAU, S.

BULLETIN OF MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY

SPRINGER

Año: 2001 vol. 63 p. 117 - 134

0092-8240

We present a simple model in order to discuss the interaction of the genetic and behavioral systems throughout evolution. This considers a set of adaptive perceptrons in which some of their synapses can be updated through a learning process. This framework provides an extension of the well-known Hinton and Nowlan model by blending together some learning capability and other (rigid) genetic effects that contribute to the fitness. We find a halting effect in the evolutionary dynamics, in which the transcription of environmental data into genetic information is hindered by learning, instead of stimulated as is usually understood by the so-called Baldwin effect. The present results are discussed and compared with those reported in the literature. An interpretation is provided of the halting effect.