Simulated Evolution for teaching math
By Chris Quinn
Abstract:
We want to teach biology students the principles of mathematics that are relevant to evolution
(population dynamics, constraints) and to genomics (string functions, languages and
grammars). We also want to tech them in a fun and interactive manner, in a means such
that it will be easy for them to glean the principles we want to teach. The most intuitive
platform through which to teach these principles is through an artificial life simulator,
simulating populations of creatures interacting with each other and trying to survive.