Could 'Reverse Evolution' Crack a Simulated Fly Brain? Two Devs Debate What the Model Actually Learned

ctjlewis · x · 2026-09-06

In a debate about a model-reconstructed fly brain, ctjlewis proposes a 'reverse evolution' idea: map the fly's behavioral topology well enough (e.g., it must eat periodically), then vary inputs to find the most survivable configuration and work backwards to derive flight, physics, and even light/color perception.

The core question: are the connections the model learned real neural mechanisms or just approximations of repeated movement patterns? It remains a speculative approach without validation.

Related event: Researchers Debate Whether the Simulated Fly Brain Learned Real Connections(2 posts)→

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