Although I've classified this technique within our AI discussions, it is not necessarily an AI technique. In the field of genetic algorithms , researchers apply techniques of genetics to the development of algorithms. Similarly, every sequence of values represents either a potential solution or a potential algorithm. The Basic Technique Start with a population of sequences. Determine the base population for the next generation.
Fitter individuals are more likely to reproduce or survive.
Keep doing this until the population stabilizes or an acceptable solution arises. The prototypical example is the travelling salesperson problem. Some interesting algorithms have been genetically derived. This typically means that we can't necessarily understand the solution that the process generates. Filled in the details.