Robots Modeled On Ancient Fish Help Researchers Study Origins of Extinct Species

Hallie Siegel writes: Hypotheses about the evolution of traits in ancient species are difficult to test, as the animals have often been extinct for thousands or millions of years. In this article, researchers at Vassar College describe how a population of physical, free-swimming robots modeled after ancient fish evolved vertebrae under selection pressures for predator avoidance and foraging ability, showing how evolutionary robotics can be used to help biologists test hypotheses about extinct animals.

Comments

Evolution random elements.

[jellomizer]

We tend to think that each trait evolved was there for some sort or benefit. However a trait can happen just as long as it didn't create a significant hindrance.

So if you take the normal bell curve. On the left side are traits that are harmful, on the right side you get traits that are helpful.

Lets say 2 sigma to the left means the disadvantage is large enough to cause them to die before they can reproduce. So the disadvantages that are 1 sigma to the which are still harmful will pass on to the next generation then you got traits that fall on the average which are neutral. Over time you get on the average better, however not all traits have a use initially or ever.

Lets use humans who have acne. There is no real advantage to it, it is slightly disfigurating so it could reduce your chances of mating, you can get wounds that cause infections... But that is so minor that passing the genes that cause acne over and over.
Now lets say in a million year the acne had evolved over time that causes the skin to be thicker, and act as a form of armor. But right now it is just an inconvenience, or after a million years it can go away, or just still plague people.