(Sexual Swimmers)

10 Results

Using only automatic evolution, with pressures for locomotion and head height strategically setÑin about a hundred generations - some interesting anatomies and locomotion strategies emerge, reminiscent of some real animals - but mostly surreal animals. Figures 6 and 7 show some examples of locomotion strategies which emerged spontaneously, in the Vertebrates. Specific keyframes were grabbed from a real-time animation to show general motion behavior. The arrow shown in the first frame of each sequence indicates the direction the figure is moving.



Figure 6. Four sampled key frames from an animation of a figure representing a population which evolved with fitness pressures for head height and locomotion


Figure 7. A figure representing a population which evolved through slight penalty for head motion and high reward for locomotion


Unexpected behaviors and anatomies emerge. One population of figures which evolved with fitness pressures for head height and locomotion generated a family of figures which resemble snakes ambling on crutches.



Figure 8. a snake on crutches


The inclusion of animator-guided interactive evolution encourages an added level of humor and expressivity to these already intriguing motions. One cannot evolve anything one wants, and this system should not be approached as offering this. The "genetic space" within which all possible variations can occur is large but finite. In knowing the limits of this space, one can, however, still experience the great variety within that space. The system can serve as an entertaining interactive artifact which sparks a spirit of exploration and serendipity in those who use it. As such, it invokes novel motions and forms which may inspire animators for the inception of a character. In addition to the goals of designing characters, it also can be an educational and entertaining tool, with "funny evolution" as an end in itself.

The empathetic responses in observers towards these real-time evolving figures is remarkable. A great number of the more ÒprimordialÓ figures simply tremble or writhe on the virtual ground, generating pity and even audible whimpering in observers, and moving as if to say, 'evolve me, please!'. The great variety of monsters brought about by initially exploring the genetic space illicit a host of other reactions. Many amusing creatures are born right out of this primordial soup, and often become the ancestors of a line of amusing variations.

Figures from more evolved populations demonstrate bolder movements, often making locomotion strides or dancing in place to a strange polyrhythm. Participating in the evolution of new morphology and motion gives observers an enhanced sense of ownership to the figures - this adds another motivational level to the enjoyment of the system.

11 Discussion

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