TABLE OF CONTENTS Leandro Nunes de Castro, Catholic University of Santos, Brazil
Fernando J. Von Zuben, State University of Campinas, Brazil
Biologically inspired computing is just one of the branches of natural computing, which also encompasses artificial life, fractal geometry and computing with natural means (molecular, membrane and quantum computing). This chapter provides a brief and general overview of natural computing, focusing on bio-inspired algorithms. Some relevant literature is cited for guidance purposes and the main objective and scope of the book is described.
During the early days of humanity we used natural resources to provide shelter and food. We soon learned to modify and manage some natural processes so as to breed crops and animals, build artifacts, control power supply, and so forth. We then started to observe and study biological and physical phenomena and patterns in order to better understand and explain nature s functioning. For instance, by learning about the physical laws of motion and gravity it became possible to design aircrafts, and by understanding some basic principles of life it is now possible to manage life in various levels, from creating transgenic food to combating diseases.
With the advent of computers, the way human beings interact with nature changed drastically. We now use nature as a source of inspiration or metaphor for the development of new techniques for solving complex computational and engineering problems; we use computers to simulate and emulate biological organisms; and we have finally...
