What is Evolution Mode?
Evolution Mode transforms Conway's Game of Life into a true biological evolution simulator. Each cell has its own unique DNA containing multiple genes. When cells reproduce, they pass their genes to offspring through Mendelian inheritance. Mutations create new variations, and natural selection determines which lineages thrive.
Watch as distinct species emerge (visible as different colors), compete for resources, and evolve unique survival strategies. This isn't just a visual effect—genes actually affect how cells survive and reproduce!
🎮 Classic Mode vs Evolution Mode
Classic: All cells follow the same rules, no inheritance, uniform green color.
Evolution: Each cell has unique genes, inheritance, mutations, colorful species, and personal survival rules.
🧬 The Genome: 5 Genes Per Cell
Every cell carries a genotype with 5 different genes. Each gene has 2 alleles (like chromosomes), one inherited from each "parent" cell.
| Gene | Range | What It Does | Dominance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hue | 0-360° | Cell color (species identity) | Blends toward higher vigor |
| Vigor | 0-100 | Survival bonus in harsh conditions | Higher is dominant |
| Mutability | 0-100 | How likely offspring are to mutate | Higher is dominant |
| Birth Modifier | -2 to +2 | Expands/contracts birth neighbor requirements | More extreme is dominant |
| Survive Modifier | -2 to +2 | Expands/contracts survival neighbor requirements | More extreme is dominant |
👨👩👧 Inheritance: How Genes Pass On
When a new cell is born (typically with 3 neighbors), it inherits genes from its "parents" (the neighboring cells). The inheritance follows Mendelian genetics:
Sexual Selection
Two parents are chosen from neighbors. Higher vigor = more likely to be selected. Stronger cells pass on more genes.
Allele Inheritance
For each gene, the child gets one random allele from each parent. Just like real chromosomes!
Dominant Expression
The phenotype (visible trait) uses dominance rules. Higher vigor/mutability are dominant over lower values.
Mutation Chance
Based on mutation rate + parent's mutability gene. When mutation occurs, one random gene shifts. High mutability = faster evolution!
🎯 Personal Survival Rules
The Birth Modifier and Survive Modifier genes give each cell its own personal rules! This means different lineages can evolve different survival strategies.
| Base Rules | With surviveMod +2 | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| S: 2-3 | S: 2-3-4-5 | Survives in crowded conditions! |
| B: 3 | B: 3-4-5 (with birthMod +2) | Can reproduce with more neighbors |
⚠️ Evolution Has Costs
Cells that evolved to handle more neighbors (surviveMod > 0) face stress at the upper edge of their range. At 4+ neighbors above normal, they have a 15% death chance per extra neighbor. No free lunch!
⚖️ Ecological Balance
Several mechanisms prevent any single species from completely dominating:
Species Crowding
Too many same-color neighbors = disease risk. 4 similar: 15% death. 5+ similar: 30% death. Monocultures suffer!
Diversity Bonus
Cells with ≤1 similar neighbor get 25% survival bonus. Being different helps you survive in enemy territory.
Infant Mortality
Crowded births (5+ neighbors): 25% infant death. Same-species inbreeding: 20% infant death. Births in chaos are risky.
Vigor Bonus
High vigor (70+) gives up to 15% chance to survive when rules say die. Low vigor (<30) risks random death.
🔬 Mutation Types
When a mutation occurs (shown as a bright white flash), one gene changes. Color mutations are most common (40%) to ensure visible species diversity.
| Mutation | Chance | Change Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hue (Color) | 40% | ±60 degrees (big visible shift!) |
| Vigor | 15% | ±20 points |
| Mutability | 15% | ±15 points |
| Birth Rule | 15% | ±1 neighbor threshold |
| Survive Rule | 15% | ±1 neighbor threshold |
👁️ Visual Guide
Understanding what you see on screen:
| Visual | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cell Color (Hue) | Genetic lineage / species identity |
| Brightness | Age (bright = young, dim = old) |
| Saturation | Vigor (vivid = high vigor) |
| White Flash + Glow | Mutation just occurred! |
| Glow on newborns | Just born this generation |
🧬 Ready to Evolve?
Toggle Evolution Mode and watch life diversify. Set mutation rate higher for faster evolution, or lower for more gradual change. Place different patterns to seed competing species!
▶ Start Evolving