Evolutionary algorithms

Abstract

Genetic Algorithms and Evolution Strategies, the main representatives of a class of algorithms based on the model of natural evolution, are discussed w.r.t. their basic working mechanisms, differences, and application possibilities. The mechanism of self-adaptation of strategy parameters within Evolution Strategies is emphasized and turns out to be the major difference to Genetic Algorithms, since it allows for an on-line adaptation of strategy parameters without exogenous control. Furthermore, the importance of selection as a mechanism to control the character of the search to be either more volume oriented or more path oriented is pointed out.