Darwin's Sandbox

Overview

Darwin's Sandbox is a natural selection and evolution simulator powered by Unity. This project demonstrates artificial neural networks (ANNs) and genetic algorithms through a virtual ecosystem of creatures (wolves) that hunt, mate, and evolve over time.

Features

• Neural Network-Driven Creatures: Each creature is controlled by a neural network that evolves through generations.
• Natural Selection: Creatures that better adapt to find food and mates survive longer and reproduce more frequently.
• Dynamic Ecosystem: Food spawns throughout the environment, creating a balanced ecosystem.
• Realistic Behaviors:
  • Hunting: Creatures track and pursue prey when hungry.
  • Mating: Creatures with full love levels seek mates and reproduce.
  • Wandering: Creatures explore their environment when not pursuing specific goals.
• Genetic Inheritance: Offspring inherit neural networks from both parents with mutations.
• Simulation Controls: Adjust simulation speed with = to increase and - to decrease speed.

How It Works

Creature States

Creatures operate in four primary states:

• Wandering: Default exploration state.
• Hunting: Activated when hunger falls below 50% and prey is detected.
• Mating: Triggered when love level is full and creature isn't hungry.
• Resting: Brief recovery period after reproduction.

Neural Networks

Each creature has a neural network with:

• Inputs: Environmental sensors, hunger level, prey direction and distance.
• Outputs: Movement controls (forward/backward and turning).
• Evolution: Neural networks evolve through inheritance and mutation.

Energy System

• Hunger decreases over time.
• Consuming food restores hunger.
• Creatures die if hunger reaches zero.
• Reproduction costs energy for both parents.

Getting Started

1. Clone this repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/Darwin-s-Sandbox.git

2. Open the project in Unity (version 2020.3 or newer recommended).

3. Open the main scene from: Assets/Scenes/

4. Press Play to start the simulation.

Controls

• Space: Toggle automatic speed adjustment

• =: Increase simulation speed

• -: Decrease simulation speed

• Mouse Hover: View creature stats (hunger, love level, current state)

Future Development

• Add more species and complex interactions

• Implement predator-prey relationships

• Add environmental factors that influence evolution

• Improve UI and visualization of neural networks