Although the aesthetics of the participants determine the results, they are not designing in the traditional sense. Since the genetic codes and complexity of the results are managed by the computer, the results are not constrained by the limits of human design ability or understanding. The isolation of these islands caused a rare example of a relatively independent evolutionary process which he was able to observe. It has been impractical to perform experiments such as starting evolution over from scratch, or investigating alternative genetic systems. However, using the power of computers, it is now possible to simulate simplified evolutionary systems, which can be observed from start to finish and run multiple times.
Mutations cause various differences between the offspring and their parents.
Karl Sims created the genetic language, evolution, and graphics software for this exhibit. Gary Oberbrunner developed the network, step sensor, and systems software. Inc. provided the more recent PC version of the system. Additional support was received from a MacArthur Fellowship Grant . Thanks also to Diamond Multimedia.