Watch the simulation. If you want to interact, move your mouse over one of the entities. They will then move the opposite direction. You can use this to prod a life form a certain direction. WARNING: This simulation is very CPU intense. Do not expect to see the species die out before Flash crashes. If you have a superbly beast computer, have fun! If not, watch as far as you can. Don't worry, the most important part of this project is the concept, not the fireworks.
There are seven official requirements for something to be considered life: Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition. This circular sprite shows all of those characteristics. It moves from one side of the screen to another while wavering. (Movement) It breathes a non-perceivable value known as oxygen, and asphyxiates when deprived of it. (Respiration) It absorbs another non-perceivable value called nutrients, and dies of starvation when deprived of it. (Nutrition) The object leaves streaks of brown waste material: excess from the nutrients and oxygen. (Excretion) It grows over time. (Growth) It reacts to the stimulus of your mouse, gliding away from it when it gets too near. (Sensitivity) Finally, when it interacts with the opposite sex, it reproduces. (Reproduction) Because these seven prerequisites for something to be considered alive have been fulfilled, this circular race is actually alive. Enjoy watching a new species be born when the green flag is pressed, and die abruptly after overpopulating and draining its necessities. Now that I think about it, as long as I've created a new species, I might as well name it. How about... Circulus Amplitudo! So, uh... yeah I'm a biological engineer.
