Rain  wrote:

> In message , Joe Laffey
>  writes
> >I have a new interest in Evolution theories and genetics. It was
> >spawned by learning that modern computers are fast enough to carry out
> >(at least crude) evolutionary simulations for problem solving. I am
> >looking for reading material that is geared more toward the
> >non-biologist, but not towards the total idiot!
> >
> >My goal is to gain as much understanding as possible to help with my
> >Evolutionary Algorithm implementations. Though I do not necessarily
> >want works about algortithms, as I have read some already, and have
> >more waiting until I further understand the background information. I
> >am not looking for texts heavy on mathematics at this time. I am also
> >simply extremely curious and excited by the study of Evolution.
> >
> >I am almost finished with The Selfish Gene, and intend on reading How
> >the Leopard Changed its Spots next, partially as a counterpoint to
> >Dawkins. My question is, what would be some other titles that might
> >interest me?
> >
> >I am especially interested in anything more modern than the previous
> >two.
> 
> "The Structure of Evolutionary Theory" by Stephen Jay Gould is a must.
> Part II of this book gives you what you want. Read part I at a later
> date.

As interesting as this is, I rather doubt it will help with evolutionary
algorithms.

Try Michod's Darwinian Dynamics. It is strongly selectionist, so you
might need to look at some works on the effects of drift in small
populations, but it is very specific and detailed.

Michod, Richard E. 1999. Darwinian dynamics: evolutionary transitions in
fitness and individuality. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.
-- 
John Wilkins
B'dies, Brutius
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