Ant Colonies: Behavior in Insects & Computer Applications

Ant colony optimisation is a population-based general-search technique that can be used for the solution of difficult combinatorial problems. Ant colony optimisation uses the knowledge-reinforcing mechanism used by real-life ants while traversing possible paths in search of food, depositing a chemical substance (called pheromone), en-route and subsequently forming trails which can then be followed by other ants in the colony. With its strong mathematical foundation and its simplicity of use, ant colony optimisation provides an alternative method to routing optimisations with a wide range of applications. This book presents topical research in the study of ant colonies, their behaviour and application in computer technologies.