Evolutionary method as a random tool for searching in Rn

The evolutionary method is a space searching method inspired by natural evolution. The method is based on processing populations in a randomized way, such that each member of the next population is generated randomly with a certain probability distribution. This distribution is called the sampling distribution and is completely defined by the previous population. Therefore, it is important to analyze the dynamics of change of consecutive populations. This paper reports on ongoing work in understanding the population dynamics by analyzing genealogy of points. So far. the considerations are constrained to the EA without crossover. An genealogy based explanation of the mechanism that drives the population diversity is provided. The results are illustrated with a simple numerical experiment. The results are used to explain the influence of population size on the EA effectiveness. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.