Evolution:

    This is a program written in Turbo Pascal back in '89 and ported over
to Delphi in '97. It was based on a column in Scientific American way back
when they had their cool computer column (write 'em - we want it back).

    The program simulates the history and life of a small population of
small "bugs" that move according to a simple genetic code. The gene code
consists of six numbers:

    1:  Likelihood to move forward
    2:  Likelihood to move backwards
    3:  Likelihood to turn left
    4:  Likelihood to turn right
    5:  Likelihood to turn hard left
    6:  Likelihood to turn hard right

    These genes are added up and a random number is generated to pick
which gene rules for this "tick" of the clock. The bug then performs
that action.

    Bugs are born with 100 energy (changeable in the settings window)
and use 1 unit of energy per movement (clock tick). The bugs die when
their energy reaches 0. A bug gains energy by moving into a location
where there is food (black dot). The value is set at 8 originally but
this can also be changed in the settings window.

    When a bug reaches an energy of 1000, it can split into two bugs -
one of which has a slightly altered genetic code. The default is to
modify a single gene by random(5)-3 or -2 to +2.

    So, as you can see, a bug that moves around is more likely to
survive than a bug that "sits and spins". Bugs that survive will create
more bugs similar to themselves and over time evolve some nice pretty
spiral-type movement patterns.

    The controls on the main screen are:

        Play    - Start the world
        Pause   - Pause the world
        Back    - Reset the world

        Mouse click on a bug to see its information (helpful to pause
        first)


    Settings Screen:

        Starting Pop    - Number of bugs "in the beginning"
        Init Energy     - Amount of energy for new bugs (begin & split)
        Food Value      - Energy given for each "dot"
        Drops / Tick    - Number of food dots randomly place at each tick
        Genes Aff       - Number of genes modified at split
        Aff Amt         - Amount each gene is affected
        Split at        - Energy level at which bug splits
        Bounded         - Don't let bugs wrap over screen when traveling

    Log Screen:

        A running log of events that happen


-------------------------=====================----------------------------

    This program includes the source and is copyrighted (c) 1997 by White
Computer Services. You may copy it freely as long as you make no profit.
You may make modifications but you must always include this origininal zip
file in your distributions. Please send the modifications to me at:

        cnicnd@intellex.com     subject: attn: Tom White
        wcs@intellex.com        summer '97  attn: Tom White

        Please DO NOT send solicitions to cnicnd@intellex.com as that
        is a separate commercial entity from White Computer Services.
        (My day job)

        If you'd like to contact me:

        (918) 456-2743

        Tom White
        503 W 2nd
        Tahlequah, OK 74464


    And if you're looking for a place to vacation, come by Tahlequah and
float down the river or rent a cabin on any of the lakes we have around
here. It's beautiful here and green (it's "Green Country"!). See y'all
around!

********************  Commercial Stuff  ***********************

White Computer Services is a small company that provides quality
programming services for various companies. We have experience in
developing law enforcement and manufacturing software.

We are available for contract programming and might consider
relocation if the price is right!

