Section: New Results

Evolution of biological complexity

Using a modified version of the Aevol platform, we studied the evolution of complex features. By evolving population of organisms in conditions where complexity is counter-selected, we showed that complexity accumulates even in these conditions, i.e. even when complex organisms are less fit than simple ones. Moreover we showed that complex organisms are not more robust and not more evolvable than simple ones. This shows that evolution spontaneously initiate a "complexity ratchet” that forces complexity to grow. An article is in press in the Artificial Life Journal (to be published in 2020).