Population dynamics and emerging mental features in AEGIS

We describe an empirical investigation within an artificial world, AEGIS, where a population of animals and plants is evolving. We compare different system setups in search of an 'ideal' world that allows a constantly high number of inhabitants for a long period of time. We observe that high responsiveness at individual level (speed of movement) or population level (high fertility) are 'ideal'. Furthermore, we investigate the emergence of the so-called mental features of animals determining their social, consumptional and aggressive behavior. The tests show that being socially oriented is generally advantageous, while agressive behavior only emerges under specific circumstances.