This paper describes the recently developed genetic programming paradigm which genetically breeds a population of computer programs to solve problems. The paper then shows, step by step, how to apply genetic programming to a problem of behavioral ecology in biology – specifically, two versions of the problem of finding an optimal food foraging strategy for the Caribbean Anolis lizard. A simulation of the adaptive behavior of the lizard is required to evaluate each possible adaptive control strategy considered for the lizard. The foraging strategy produced by genetic programming is close to the mathematical solution for the one version for which the solution is known and appears to be a reasonable approximation to the solution for the second version of the problem.

Forest managers are increasingly aware of the significance of Aldo Leopold’s admonition that “to keep every cog and wheel is the first rule of intelligent tinkering. ” Dead wood, standing and down, is one of those “cogs and wheels. ” This was recognized in the 1970s and triggered additional research and evaluation of management action related to dead wood in managed forests. Much of this new information will be discussed at this conference. What will remain at the close is the essential need for synthesis of this new knowledge from research and management experience into a useable form for managers. This is the remaining challenge.

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