Some Computational Aspects of Essential Properties of Evolution and Life

While evolution has inspired algorithmic methods of heuristic optimisation, little has been done in the way of using concepts of computation to advance our understanding of salient aspects of biological evolution. We argue that under reasonable assumptions, interesting conclusions can be drawn that are of relevance to behavioural evolution. We will focus on two important features of life--robustness and fitness optimisation--which, we will argue, are related to algorithmic probability and to the thermodynamics of computation, subjects that may be capable of explaining and modelling key features of living organisms, and which can be used in understanding and formulating algorithms of evolutionary computation

Approximations of Algorithmic and Structural Complexity Validate Cognitive-behavioural Experimental Results

We apply methods for estimating the algorithmic complexity of sequences to behavioural sequences of three landmark studies of animal behavior each of increasing sophistication, including foraging communication by ants, flight patterns of fruit flies, and tactical deception and competition strategies in rodents. In each case, we demonstrate that approximations of Logical Depth and Kolmogorv-Chaitin complexity capture and validate previously reported results, in contrast to other measures such as Shannon Entropy, compression or ad hoc. Our method is practically useful when dealing with short sequences, such as those often encountered in cognitive-behavioural research. Our analysis supports and reveals non-random behavior (LD and K complexity) in flies even in the absence of external stimuli, and confirms the "stochastic" behaviour of transgenic rats when faced that they cannot defeat by counter prediction. The method constitutes a formal approach for testing hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying animal behaviour.Comment: 28 pages, 7 figures and 2 table

Queller’s separation condition explained and defended

The theories of inclusive fitness and multilevel selection provide alternative perspectives on social evolution. The question of whether these perspectives are of equal generality remains a divisive issue. In an analysis based on the Price equation, Queller argued (by means of a principle he called the separation condition) that the two approaches are subject to the same limitations, arising from their fundamentally quantitative-genetical character. Recently, van Veelen et al. have challenged Queller’s results, using this as the basis for a broader critique of the Price equation, the separation condition, and the very notion of inclusive fitness. Here we show that the van Veelen et al. model, when analyzed in the way Queller intended, confirms rather than refutes his original conclusions. We thereby confirm (i) that Queller’s separation condition remains a legitimate theoretical principle and (ii) that the standard inclusive fitness and multilevel approaches are indeed subject to the same limitations

Space Manufacturing Modules

This paper describes a proposed program by the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory of the Marshall Space Flight Center that outlines an approach which would provide a capability for manufacturing in space. The initial phase will initiate an investigation of the effect of zero gravity on manufacturing processes during earth orbit flight. A work package is described which is currently being prepared to fly with Apollo Applications Program Orbital Workshop (OW) Flight #2. It will consist of a Space Manufacturing Process Chamber integral with an electron beam heat source. The chamber is attached to the inside wall of the (OW)\u27s Multiple Docking Adapter. Several process investigation experiment modules are described which can alternately be inserted into the chamber. As a second phase, an improved Space Manufacturing Process Chamber is being planned. It will be larger and more versatile than the first Space Manufacturing Process Chamber. It will be designed to accept larger work modules and will provide several types of energy sources plus a cooling capability. The second Space Manufacturing Process Chamber may be integrated into the hardware for a potential backup flight to Apollo Applications Program Flight #2. A third phase proposes the development of a room size manufacturing module which would be designed to dock to an earth orbiting space station proposed for launch in the rnid- 1970\u27s. This module would contain work area for at least two astronauts, facilities, raw materials, and manufacturing process chambers. This large module would provide for a continuing effort on manufacturing process investigations and for the production of small quantities of specialized items that can best be produced in the unique environment of zero gravity. These products would be returned to earth for evaluation and use in specialized industrial, medical, or Government applications

Nitrate and water (1980)

Nitrates in water can affect livestock production and human health. "Blue baby syndrome" can be caused by high nitrate in the drinking water of infants under six months of age. Sudden deaths, lowered reproductive performance, and loss of milk production in warm animals have been associated with water supplies containing a high content of nitrate.Reviewed and Reprinted 12/80/5M

Grazing Studies at Antelope Range A Progress Report 1964-69

Long term grazing management studies must cover both wet and dry phases of the climatic cycle in order to provide reliable estimates of the effects of various grazing management practices on livestock production and on the range resource. Intensity of grazing studies with sheep have been conducted at the Antelope Range since 1950. A progress report of this work was published by Gartner, Lewis and Trevillyan (1965). The first phase of this study was concluded in 1962