Trait Propagation Simulation: Cellular Automaton Dynamics
This simulation is a cellular automaton designed to explore how a specific trait spreads within a population over time. In this simulation, each cell on a grid can be alive or dead and may possess a trait that influences its survival and reproduction. The next state of each cell is determined by the states and traits of its neighbours, demonstrating how a trait can dominate or vanish within a population. The simulation tracks the number of generations required for the trait to either fully propagate or disappear.
Cell Attributes and Life Cycle
Cell Properties
- State (alive or dead)
- Trait (with or without trait)
Life Cycle
Living cells appear as green (without trait) or red (with trait), while dead cells are white. Each cell interacts with its 8 neighbouring cells: top, bottom, left, right, and the 4 diagonals.
- Underpopulation: A live cell with fewer than two live neighbours risks death. The probability of dying is 50%, adjusted by the trait advantage if the cell carries the trait.
- Overpopulation: A live cell with more than three live neighbours risks death. The probability of dying is 50%, adjusted by the trait advantage if the cell carries the trait.
- Survival: A live cell with exactly two or three live neighbours survives to the next generation, maintaining both its state and trait status.
- Reproduction: A dead cell with three or more live neighbours becomes alive. The probability of inheriting the trait matches the current trait ratio in the population.
References
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-02-18