I programmed some creatures. They Evolved.

This is a report of a software project that created the conditions for evolution in an attempt to learn something about how evolution works in nature. This is for the programmer looking for ideas for interdisciplinary programming projects, or for anyone interested in how evolution and natural selection work.

Before commenting on the religious/theological implications of this simulation, please note that this video in no way purports to explain all the mysteries of life and the universe.

[thornelderfin]

This is my offering to the YouTube algorithm.
Let's hope we resurrect this channel so David can make more amazing videos.

[Camlling]

This man created evolution and decided his YouTube career was complete

[Boris]

In these simulations the places where the children were “born” were completely randomized but in reality places of birth are also “inherited” from parents! If your parents lived at the Equator you wouldn’t suddenly appear at the North Pole! I think that is a very significant detail that should be added!

[MoonCrab]

Man was consistently like "You can skip to the next part if you don't care about this topic" and I'd say most of us absolutely did not skip ahead.

[BornLosenotwin]

I like how David feels sad about these computed creatures dying or getting murdered.

[DorinCiobanu]

The reason why "kill" trait was bi-stable is because there's no selection pressure associated with it. Would be cool to add a "kill the killer" trait and see whether it leads to a larger group surviving. Or will it start wars? :)

[Michael-pxoj]

It took just under a year for this video to start getting the traction and recognition it deserves

[eli.jiah.meowmeow]

I have replaced TV with YouTube 15 years ago. This is one of the best videos I have watched on this platform.

[Harsh_Noise]

Dot: *Disappears*
David: I can't bear to watch this violence

[nathanielepps]

Just when I think there is no hope left for the YouTube algorithm, it throws this absolute gem my way. Thank you so much for such a good video! I have done many programing thought experiments in my head trying to do something just like this but there were a few things I didn't quite understand or know how to achieve and this cleared them up for me. I'm very excited to get the code and try some things out for myself!

[whiteobama]

Just an update about Dave, for anyone wondering why he's not uploading: after making that video, he ascended in to Godhood and is now running his own universe.

[AbdulRehman-ewfu]

I feel honored whenever he says "Some of my fellow programmers...."

[mohammad]

Wow. The production quality, quality of content and narration - I'm speechless. This content is amazing and I wish you nothing but success. Very inspiring

[rm-g]

This AI, Computer Science, Biology…gold. These type of content should be the one getting viral.

[geckoram]

I think this is the best video I've ever found on YouTube. Not only for the content, although I love both programming and biology, but the way it's presented is genius. You have these structured parts, the simulation, but in between the simulations you have smaller parts explaining everything, really smooth. Thanks for making this video.

[matzeh]

13:10 "The vast majority of them, the moment they're born, they have the inborn instinct to head east and just keep going until they can't go any further." - As a German, I know that feeling.

[cloj]

Wait, so this is basically the only video he published?
That's insane. Such an interesting topic and expertly explained, yet all done in a very accessible way.
Thank you so much for sharing your work!

[fcgHenden]

David: we won't be simulating weather.
Also David: Throws a comet at half the planet.

[Someone_Waiting]

Its just impressive that just a 4 genome computer programmed organisation could evolve that much for just a hyper random selection. Great job!

[marcusr]

This was amazing. At no point in the video was I confused, bored, or even slightly distracted. I didn't even realize an hour had passed till you mentioned the the programs you used to make the simulator. Amazing talent and great idea, I loved every second of this. I can't wait to see the next video!