Visualizing Tree Structures in Genetic Programming

This paper presents methods to visualize the structure of trees that occur in genetic programming. These methods allow for the inspection of structure of entire trees even though several thousands of nodes may be involved. The methods also scale to allow for the inspection of structure for entire populations and for complete trials even though millions of nodes may be involved. Examples are given that demonstrate how this new way of “seeing” can afford a potentially rich way of understanding dynamics that underpin genetic programming. The examples indicate further studies that might be enabled by visualizing structure at these scales.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45620/1/10710_2005_Article_7621.pd

Identifying Structural Mechanism in Standard GP

Abstract. This paper presents a hypothesis about an undiscovered class of mechanisms that exist in standard GP. Rather than being intentionally designed, these mechanisms would be an unintended consequence of using trees as information structures. A model is described that predicts outcomes in GP that would arise solely from such mechanisms. Comparisons with empirical results from GP lend support to the existence of these mechanisms.