A reward-driven model of Darwinian fitness

In this paper we present a model that, based on the principle of total energy balance (similar to energy conservation in Physics), bridges the gap between Darwinian fitness theories and reward-driven theories of behaviour. Results show that it is possible to accommodate the reward maximization principle underlying modern approaches in behavioural reinforcement learning and traditional fitness approaches. Our framework, presented within a prey-predator model, may have important consequences in the study of behaviour.