| Evolve IV is a computer model of an evolvable ecosystem. It is the latest in the Evolve series of models; its contributions include unprecedented metabolic detail, an artificial chemistry and a powerful configuration language. The model simulates haploid single-celled organisms. Interactions between organisms are mediated by material exchange through the simulated environment. Organisms also can modify the environment by material exchange with it.; The model is an algorithmically specified model that offers far more expressive power and flexibility that models that comprise a system of equations. It has been used to simulate competitive, protocooperative and mutualistic interactions among populations of model organisms. The results of these simulations are consistent with observations of the natural world. Some of the runs also serve to highlight the advantage of algorithm specification as a modeling paradigm.; We are encouraged by the results presented here to continue this line of inquiry. The model also shows promise as an educational tool. |
