Locus-Shift Operator for Function Optimization in Genetic Algorithms

Function optimization is the most important context for studying genetic algorithm (GA) operators. In this paper a new GA operator is introduced which greatly improves several well-known benchmark functions used in function optimization. The new operator cuts a circular chromosome at any locus selected randomly. By this operation, various types of linear chromosomes can be formed from a parent circular chromosome. The new operator is called locus-shift (LS) because the locus of the linear chromosome produced by LS almost always shifts. In this paper, we study the dynamics of the evolution of chromosomes by the LS in simulation and show the effects of LS by various benchmark functions.