The Evolution of Neuroplasticity and the Effect on Integrated Information

Information integration theory has been developed to quantify consciousness. Since conscious thought requires the integration of information, the degree of this integration can be used as a neural correlate ([Formula: see text]) with the intent to measure degree of consciousness. Previous research has shown that the ability to integrate information can be improved by Darwinian evolution. The value [Formula: see text] can change over many generations, and complex tasks require systems with at least a minimum [Formula: see text]. This work was done using simple animats that were able to remember previous sensory inputs, but were incapable of fundamental change during their lifetime: actions were predetermined or instinctual. Here, we are interested in changes to [Formula: see text] due to lifetime learning (also known as neuroplasticity). During lifetime learning, the system adapts to perform a task and necessitates a functional change, which in turn could change [Formula: see text]. One can find arguments to expect one of three possible outcomes: [Formula: see text] might remain constant, increase, or decrease due to learning. To resolve this, we need to observe systems that learn, but also improve their ability to learn over the many generations that Darwinian evolution requires. Quantifying [Formula: see text] over the course of evolution, and over the course of their lifetimes, allows us to investigate how the ability to integrate information changes. To measure [Formula: see text] , the internal states of the system must be experimentally observable. However, these states are notoriously difficult to observe in a natural system. Therefore, we use a computational model that not only evolves virtual agents (animats), but evolves animats to learn during their lifetime. We use this approach to show that a system that improves its performance due to feedback learning increases its ability to integrate information. In addition, we show that a system’s ability to increase [Formula: see text] correlates with its ability to increase in performance. This suggests that systems that are very plastic regarding [Formula: see text] learn better than those that are not.