Genetics-based machine learning

Abstract

This is a survey of the field of genetics-based machine learning (GBML): the application of evolutionary algorithms (ES) to machine learning. We assume readers are familiar with evolutionary algorithms and their application to optimization problems, but not necessarily with machine learning. We briefly outline the scope of machine learning, introduce the more specific area of supervised learning, contrast it with optimization and present arguments for and against GBML. Next we introduce a framework for GBML, which includes ways of classifying GBML algorithms and a discussion of the interaction between learning and evolution. We then review the following areas with emphasis on their evolutionary aspects: GBML for subproblems of learning, genetic programming, evolving ensembles, evolving neural networks, learning classifier systems, and genetic fuzzy systems.