EUZONE: Simulating the Evolution of Aquatic Ecosystems

In the spirit of contemporary artificial life research, EUZONE provides a virtual laboratory for the emergence of complex ecosystems from simple primitives. However, whereas most alife systems abstract away many real-world environmental constraints, EUZONE employs detailed physical and chemical models in combination with evolutionary algorithms to support the emergence of carbon-based aquatic ecosystems. With an emphasis on planktonlike organisms, this research focuses upon the self-organization and evolution of (a) lower levels of aquatic food webs, (b) Gaian interactions between primitive organisms and their physical environments, and (c) species interactions governed by varying life-history strategies.