SWIMMERS:  Genetics



Each swimmer has 15 genes.  These genes affect the swimmer's anatomy, swimming motions, turning abilities, and coloration.  They are listed below.  



number of limbs

number of segments per limb

rate

amplitude

alternate limb flip 

straddle

turning gene #1

turning gene #2

turning gene #3

joint angle gene

motion gene #1

motion gene #2

motion gene #3

base color

color shift



Some of these names are pretty straightforward, but others might appear cryptic to you.  That's because some of these genes are cryptic!  But, hey, compared to the real thing (like your DNA) these genes are a piece of cake.  As a matter of fact, if you are diligent enough, you can figure out what each gene does by exploring the swimmer's genes with the "engineer tool" (see section on Tools).   While some folks may prefer not to meddle with DNA, others might relish in cracking the puzzle of the genes.  



Gene Files

A swimmer's genes can be saved as a file on your PC by dragging the swimmer into an empty test tube and then selecting that test tube's "Save as..." button (located under the test tube - see the section on test tubes for details).  A gene file consists of 15 real numbers.  Swimmer gene files have the extension ".dna", and are in ASCII format, and can be cut and pasted into all documents which display ASCII text characters.  



For those of you who are serious hackers, you may want to actually design a swimmer yourself by creating 15 real numbers in a word processor application, and then copying that text and pasting it into Darwin Pond.  But, chances are, the swimmer you design will be a bit awkward and confused, sort of like the Frankenstein monster - if you know what I mean.  But try it anyway.  Could be a fun exercise!  