The Evolution of Sunflower Biomorphs
This cartridge implements a model of directed evolution, with the player providing the selection pressure. Using the mouse, we may choose one flower from a grid of randomly generated flowers. The chosen flower becomes the "parent" for the following generation.
Each simulated sunflower contains a unique set of "genes" that code for the size and number of petals, as well as their color. When the user picks the parent of the next generation, the screen is cleared, and the flowers are repopulated with mutant genes derived from the parent's genes. The user can put selection pressure on specific flowers, for example, by choosing the one with the largest petals.
This cartridge is an adaptation of Uri Wilenski's NetLogo applet, which we used for teaching complex systems and evolutionary theory. It is based on the Biomorphs model that Richard Dawkins, in his 1986 book "The Blind Watchmaker," described. Following our own implementation of this model in the classroom, we assigned the students the task of trying to selectively breed flowers in the direction of certain forms, such as a "starfish," a straight line, or a very tight spiral. We also attempted to breed a certain pattern again after removing all of the flowers.
It was a lot of fun to create this cartridge in Picotron; I look forward to creating more models!
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