Genetic algorithms are computational models of evolution that play a central role in many arti cial life models We review the history and current scope of research on genetic algorithms in arti cial life using illustrative examples in which the genetic algorithm is used to study how learning and evolution interact and to model ecosystems immune system cognitive systems and social systems We als...

Finding robust explanations of behaviours in Alife and related fields is made difficult by the lack of any formalised definition of robustness. A concerted effort to develop a framework which allows for robust explanations of those behaviours to be developed is needed, as well as a discussion of what constitutes a potentially useful definition for behavioural robustness. To this end, we must di...