An examination of building block dynamics in different representations

We compare the traditional, fixed genetic algorithm (GA) representation scheme with a floating representation scheme and examine the differences in building block dynamics and how these differences affect a GA´s ability to balance exploration and exploitation of building blocks. This study examines both the overall performance of a GA and the detailed events that contribute to overall behavior. Results indicate that the floating representation allows a GA to maintain a higher-level of construction which results in a more diverse population from which to build solutions