Emergent complexity in Conway's game of life

Abstract

It is shown that both small, finite patterns and random infinite very low density (sparse) arrays of the Game of Life can produce emergent structures and processes of great complexity, through ramifying feedback networks and cross-scale interactions. The implications are discussed: it is proposed that analogous networks and interactions may have been precursors to natural selection in the real world. © 2010 Springer-Verlag London Limited.