This is an implementation of the program Richard Dawkins used in writing his book of the same name. The screen displays a population of tree-like stick figures, each figure drawn according to a genetic code of parameters. Parameters are such things as the number of branch points, the length ratio between the larger and smaller branches, whether the figure is symetric or asymetric, the angles between branches, and so on - about 16 all together. The figures evolve through artificial selection, meaning you are presented with a series of figures on the screen which are all slightly different from each other, and you select which one you want to breed to make the next population. You can also ask the computer to drift through parameter space, showing a little movie of different shapes as it goes, or you can search the space more methodically.

Using this program you get a nice demonstration of how evolution can generate fairly complex shapes from pretty simple beginnings, and how selection can bring this about. The user interface is easy to figure out. The program seems to have a little trouble with newer computers. You can run it, but you cannot multitask. However, I have an old version of the program, so perhaps this has been fixed.

Computer: Macintosh

Source: W. W. Norton & Company, NY

Cost: Low

Last update 22nd of January 1996