Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match: geometric, variational, and evolutionary implications of criteria for tag affinity

Abstract Genetic programming and artificial life systems commonly use tag matching to decide interactions between system components. However, the implications of criteria used determine affinity tags with respect evolutionary dynamics have not been directly studied. We investigate differences tag-matching geometric constraint variation generated under mutation. In experiments, we find that can influence rate adaptive evolution quality evolved solutions. Better understanding geometric, variational, properties will facilitate more effective incorporation into genetic systems. By showing connectivity patterns dynamics, our findings also raise fundamental questions about in nature.