Evolution of Herding Behavior in Artificial Animals

We have created a simulated world ("BioLand") designed to support experiments on the evolution of cooperation, competition, and communication. In this particular experiment we have simulated the evolution of herding behavior in prey animals. We placed a population of simulated prey animals into an environment with a population of their predators. The behavior of each of the animals is controlled by a neural network architecture specified by its individual genome. We have allowed these populations to evolve through interaction over time and have observed the evolution of neural networks that produce herding behavior. The prey animals evolve to congregate in herds, for the protection it provides from predators, as well as the help it provides in finding food and mates. An interesting evolutionary pathway is seen to this herding, from aggregation, to staying nearby other animals for mating opportunities, to using herding for safety and food finding.