Links to Research articles
David J. Eck http://math.hws.edu/eck/
"GA" is a little applet that demonstrates the genetic algorithm, in which methods analogous to the process of natural evolution are applied to solve problems on a computer. This "artificial evolution" uses reproduction, mutation, and genetic recombination to "evolve" a solution to a problem. The genetic algorithm is described fully by John Holland in his book, "Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems." More popular accounts can be found in the books "Complexity" by M. Mitchell Waldrop and "Artificial Life" by Steven Levy.
The genetic algorithm can be applied to many different types of problems, but GA uses it to evolve simulated "organisms" called Eaters in a simulated world that contains simulated plants for the Eaters to eat. I stress the word "simulated", but even that word really goes too far. GA is really just a kind of metaphor for natural evolution in the real world. You can judge for yourself the extent to which that metaphor might be valid.
Introduction to Genetic Algorithms
This is a great source for introducing GA. It has many visual aids that I need to integrate into my research.