Figure 1

Scheme of the evolutionary algorithm and the hybrid formation. The initial network (A) is duplicated to form the initial population (B), which evolves over hundreds of generations by mutation, reassortment and selection, to form an adapted population (C). This population is duplicated, generating two initially identical populations (D). Both populations carry on evolving, but do not interbreed, causing them to diverge (indicated by the orange and blue colors) (E). At regular intervals, individuals are hybridized between the populations and the fitness of the hybrids is measured (F). The hybrid individuals are then discarded and are not used for further breeding. Over time, the two parent populations diverge further (indicated by deeper shading) (G).