Netcrawling-optimal evolutionary search with neutral networks

Several studies have demonstrated that in the presence of a high degree of selective neutrality, in particular on fitness landscapes featuring neutral networks, evolution is qualitatively different from that of the more common model of rugged/correlated fitness landscapes often (implicitly) assumed by GA researchers. We characterise evolutionary dynamics on fitness landscapes with neutral networks and argue that, if a certain correlation-like statistical property holds, the most efficient strategy for evolutionary search is not population-based, but rather a population-of-one netcrawler-a variety of hill-climber. We derive quantitative estimates for expected waiting times to discovery of fitter genotypes and discuss implications for evolutionary algorithm design, including a proposal for an adaptive variant of the netcrawler.