L1 - Natural Systems and Evolution

Question 1

Define what is meant by Nature Inspired Computation?

Answer 1

Nature : What elements of nature can we leverage to solve problems?
Inspired : How can nature influence and inspire computing?
Computation : What problems can be solved using computational methods inspired by nature?

Thus, NIC abstracts natural processes such as evolution, and identifies where it can be used to solve computational requirements with most efficiency.

Question 2

What are some examples of Nature Inspired Computing and what are their uses?

Answer 2

Evolutionary Algorithms : Used to optimise complex systems.

Artificial Neural Networks : Used for patter recognition.

Artificial Immune Systems : Used to identify and combat threats.

Question 3

Give some examples of Natural Systems that we can take inspiration from?

Answer 3

• Ant colonies and formations.
• Swarm clustering and movement.
• Artificial neural networks.
• Immune system threats.

Question 4

Explain how the process of evolution correlates to finding optimal solutions computationally…

Answer 4

Evolution is a continuous process that ensures survival of the fittest. Children inherit a variety of attributes from Parents. Only the fittest children ( most optimally environmentally adapted ) will survive. This means any child is the current optimal solution. However, over time this optimal solution will change based on environmental factors.

Computationally, we can see this as an iterative process where children inherit a variety of attributes from a set of parents. This leads to a optimised child, or in computational terms, an optimal solution.

Thus, this natural process naturally finds an optimal solution.

Question 5

What are the ingredients needed for a Natural Process?

Answer 5

• Competition for resources between entities.
• A set of initial parents.
• ( Optional ) A mixing of parents to produce children with varying attributes.