Towards balanced coevolution

Abstract

This paper shows that the performance of coevolutionary genetic algorithms can be improved considerably by introducing a balancing mechanism. This is to prevent one population from “out-evolving” the other one. As a result, fitness variance is maintained and can be used to guide coevolution. Two different balancing mechanisms are introduced here. Their performance is compared to an unbalanced coevolutionary genetic algorithm. Finally, causal links are suggested between: a lack of balance, the loss of important niches and coevolutionary cycles.