Model 2 · DNA schema 2 · verified 20 October 2026

Build biology from supported genes.

PreyLab is a fictional, local simulation of cells, resources, physical contact, signals and reproduction. This public manual describes the current genome contract and the limits of what a DNA file can create.

Design a variant Validate DNA JSON Schema Gene manifest Chassis design reference Environment preset schema App preferences schema Experiment protocol schema Foundation audit Resource accounting Offline reference bundle

What is inherited?

A family selects a supported body, metabolism and controller. A fictional taxon or catalog variant is a name for one design. A genotype is the family plus numeric alleles; its expressed phenotype supplies capacities and costs. An organism has its own ID, lineage and temporary energy, mass, age, reserves and controller state. Those temporary values are never DNA.

Genes configure existing mechanics. A label or JSON note cannot add a new feeder, controller, anatomy or resource pathway.

Authoritative gene roster

These tables are generated from model.js family rules. Zero is valid wherever the listed lower bound permits it. Family-specific genes are not transferable to another chassis merely by copying keys.

Flagellated algaeflagellar-alga · 47 genes

producer · light + mineral · binary fission · supported

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`biomassDensity`	Mass packed into the body More mineral biomass for offspring, grazers and carrion	0.6–1.6 relative mineral mass Default 1	More mineral needed for growth and extra upkeep above 1
`divisionTempo`	Growth and division pace Changes biomass growth rate and minimum division age	0.6–1.8 relative rate Default 1	Faster division raises upkeep
`foodEnergy`	Recoverable prey fuel fraction Sets the fraction of this cell’s actual usable and reserve energy a grazer can store after capture (45–100%)	0.5–1.6 relative recovery Default 1	Higher recoverability raises upkeep; it does not create extra fuel
`debrisMetabolism`	Suspended debris assimilation At 0.5 or above, uses finite local detritus for energy and suppresses photosynthetic gain	0–1 pathway expression Default 0	Forfeits light conversion while active; the existing detritus conversion is unchanged
`crossAffinity`	Ability to exchange genes on contact Compatible mature algae can store a partner genome for a hybrid daughter at the next division	0–1 contact compatibility Default 0	Maintaining exchange machinery raises upkeep
`fusionCapacity`	Compatible fusion cycle At high expression, pays body material and energy to release viable algae gametes	0–1 gamete investment Default 0	Finite gametes spend parent material and energy
`matingType`	Fusion compatibility Gametes of the same algae group but opposite type can fuse	0–1 compatibility type Default 0	No direct cost
`pigmentR`	Inherited pigment red Crossed algae can inherit a mixed body color	-1–1 red channel Default -1	Visual trait only
`pigmentG`	Inherited pigment green Crossed algae can inherit a mixed body color	-1–1 green channel Default -1	Visual trait only
`pigmentB`	Inherited pigment blue Crossed algae can inherit a mixed body color	-1–1 blue channel Default -1	Visual trait only
`storageInvestment`	Chemical storage tissue Adds up to 80 energy units of capacity; storage tissue needs extra structural mineral	0–1 reserve capacity Default 0	Raises body mass target and maintenance
`reserveAllocation`	Photosynthate diverted into reserves Stores a fraction of energy gained after upkeep, at 80% efficiency	0–1 surplus allocation Default 0	Less immediately usable energy for growth and division
`mobilization`	Reserve mobilization Releases stored energy below 35 usable energy, at 85% efficiency	0–1 release rate Default 0	Reserve energy is lost during conversion
`dormancy`	Reversible cyst formation At high expression, prolonged local scarcity can trigger a costly dormant state	0–1 cyst tendency Default 0	Entry and germination spend energy; dormant cells still pay maintenance
`coatInvestment`	Constructed mineral covering A built coat increases predator handling time on contact	0–1 covering investment Default 0	Construction consumes dissolved mineral and energy; upkeep rises
`propulsion`	Swimming thrust Horizontal and vertical acceleration	0–1 active thrust Default 0.35	Active swimming spends energy
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`flocking`	3D schooling tendency Blends alignment, cohesion and close-range separation with resource seeking	0–1 neighbor response Default 0	Neighbor sensing raises maintenance
`photosyntheticInvestment`	Light conversion capacity Upper bound on photosynthetic gain	0–1 light capacity Default 0.6	Higher maintenance
`nutrientUptake`	Nutrient uptake capacity Upper bound on local nutrient-supported gain	0–1 medium uptake Default 0.55	Higher maintenance
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`adhesion`	Compatible cell adhesion Forms weak short-range bonds with other adhesive algae	0–1 surface investment Default 0	Maintaining the coating raises energy use
`photoGlowThreshold`	Ambient-light glow switch When ambient sensing is expressed, algae emit only at or below this local lamp level; higher values permit glow in brighter water	0–1 fraction of ambient light Default 0.18	Ambient receptor and light organ retain their existing upkeep
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Glassmouth ciliateciliate-grazer · 34 genes

grazer · living algae · binary fission · supported

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`divisionTempo`	Growth and division pace Changes biomass growth rate and minimum division age	0.6–1.8 relative rate Default 1	Faster division raises upkeep
`propulsion`	Swimming force Faster approach and escape	0–1 ciliary thrust Default 0.6	Raises active swimming use
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`flocking`	3D schooling tendency Blends alignment, cohesion and close-range separation with resource seeking	0–1 neighbor response Default 0	Neighbor sensing raises maintenance
`sensingRange`	Local prey detection Extends bounded physical perception	0.5–1.5 relative range Default 1	Raises maintenance
`feedingAperture`	Prey size limit Admits larger individual prey	0.7–1.6 relative mouth Default 1.3	Raises mouth maintenance
`processing`	Food processing speed Digests stored meals faster	0.5–1.5 relative rate Default 1	Raises processing cost
`storage`	Food capacity Holds more prey material	0.6–1.6 relative vacuole Default 1.2	Raises maintenance
`acquisitionCapacity`	Optional food DNA retention Can retain one compatible donor locus after ingestion for later descendant integration when enabled	0–1 fragment retention Default 0	Retention spends usable energy
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Greater herbivorous flagellateherbivorous-flagellate · 34 genes

grazer · living algae · binary fission · supported

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`divisionTempo`	Growth and division pace Changes biomass growth rate and minimum division age	0.6–1.8 relative rate Default 1	Faster division raises upkeep
`propulsion`	Swimming force Faster approach and escape	0–1 ciliary thrust Default 0.6	Raises active swimming use
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`flocking`	3D schooling tendency Blends alignment, cohesion and close-range separation with resource seeking	0–1 neighbor response Default 0	Neighbor sensing raises maintenance
`sensingRange`	Local prey detection Extends bounded physical perception	0.5–1.5 relative range Default 1	Raises maintenance
`feedingAperture`	Prey size limit Admits larger individual prey	0.7–1.6 relative mouth Default 1.3	Raises mouth maintenance
`processing`	Food processing speed Digests stored meals faster	0.5–1.5 relative rate Default 1	Raises processing cost
`storage`	Food capacity Holds more prey material	0.6–1.6 relative vacuole Default 1.2	Raises maintenance
`acquisitionCapacity`	Optional food DNA retention Can retain one compatible donor locus after ingestion for later descendant integration when enabled	0–1 fragment retention Default 0	Retention spends usable energy
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Raptorial ciliateraptorial-ciliate · 34 genes

predator · living grazers + omnivores · binary fission · supported

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`divisionTempo`	Growth and division pace Changes biomass growth rate and minimum division age	0.6–1.8 relative rate Default 1	Faster division raises upkeep
`propulsion`	Swimming force Faster approach and escape	0–1 ciliary thrust Default 0.6	Raises active swimming use
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`flocking`	3D schooling tendency Blends alignment, cohesion and close-range separation with resource seeking	0–1 neighbor response Default 0	Neighbor sensing raises maintenance
`sensingRange`	Local prey detection Extends bounded physical perception	0.5–1.5 relative range Default 1	Raises maintenance
`feedingAperture`	Prey size limit Admits larger individual prey	0.7–1.6 relative mouth Default 1.3	Raises mouth maintenance
`processing`	Food processing speed Digests stored meals faster	0.5–1.5 relative rate Default 1	Raises processing cost
`storage`	Food capacity Holds more prey material	0.6–1.6 relative vacuole Default 1.2	Raises maintenance
`acquisitionCapacity`	Optional food DNA retention Can retain one compatible donor locus after ingestion for later descendant integration when enabled	0–1 fragment retention Default 0	Retention spends usable energy
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Apex hunterapex-ciliate · 35 genes

predator · living raptors + omnivores + amoebas · binary fission · supported

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`divisionTempo`	Growth and division pace Changes biomass growth rate and minimum division age	0.6–1.8 relative rate Default 1	Faster division raises upkeep
`propulsion`	Swimming force Faster approach and escape	0–1 ciliary thrust Default 0.6	Raises active swimming use
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`flocking`	3D schooling tendency Blends alignment, cohesion and close-range separation with resource seeking	0–1 neighbor response Default 0	Neighbor sensing raises maintenance
`sensingRange`	Local prey detection Extends bounded physical perception	0.5–1.5 relative range Default 1	Raises maintenance
`feedingAperture`	Prey size limit Admits larger individual prey	0.7–1.6 relative mouth Default 1.3	Raises mouth maintenance
`processing`	Food processing speed Digests stored meals faster	0.5–1.5 relative rate Default 1	Raises processing cost
`storage`	Food capacity Holds more prey material	0.6–1.6 relative vacuole Default 1.2	Raises maintenance
`acquisitionCapacity`	Optional food DNA retention Can retain one compatible donor locus after ingestion for later descendant integration when enabled	0–1 fragment retention Default 0	Retention spends usable energy
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost
`cannibalism`	Same-family prey recognition At 0.55 or above, permits hunting smaller members of the same hunter family	0–1 prey recognition Default 0	Adds sensory upkeep when expressed

Mosaicmouth omnivoreomnivorous-ciliate · 34 genes

mixed feeder · living algae + swimming herbivores · binary fission · supported

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`divisionTempo`	Growth and division pace Changes biomass growth rate and minimum division age	0.6–1.8 relative rate Default 1	Faster division raises upkeep
`propulsion`	Swimming force Faster approach and escape	0–1 ciliary thrust Default 0.6	Raises active swimming use
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`flocking`	3D schooling tendency Blends alignment, cohesion and close-range separation with resource seeking	0–1 neighbor response Default 0	Neighbor sensing raises maintenance
`sensingRange`	Local prey detection Extends bounded physical perception	0.5–1.5 relative range Default 1	Raises maintenance
`feedingAperture`	Prey size limit Admits larger individual prey	0.7–1.6 relative mouth Default 1.3	Raises mouth maintenance
`processing`	Food processing speed Digests stored meals faster	0.5–1.5 relative rate Default 1	Raises processing cost
`storage`	Food capacity Holds more prey material	0.6–1.6 relative vacuole Default 1.2	Raises maintenance
`acquisitionCapacity`	Optional food DNA retention Can retain one compatible donor locus after ingestion for later descendant integration when enabled	0–1 fragment retention Default 0	Retention spends usable energy
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Widejaw hunteropenwater-hunter · 35 genes

predator · living herbivores and hunters · binary fission · supported

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`divisionTempo`	Growth and division pace Changes biomass growth rate and minimum division age	0.6–1.8 relative rate Default 1	Faster division raises upkeep
`propulsion`	Swimming force Faster approach and escape	0–1 ciliary thrust Default 0.6	Raises active swimming use
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`flocking`	3D schooling tendency Blends alignment, cohesion and close-range separation with resource seeking	0–1 neighbor response Default 0	Neighbor sensing raises maintenance
`sensingRange`	Local prey detection Extends bounded physical perception	0.5–1.5 relative range Default 1	Raises maintenance
`feedingAperture`	Prey size limit Admits larger individual prey	0.7–1.6 relative mouth Default 1.3	Raises mouth maintenance
`processing`	Food processing speed Digests stored meals faster	0.5–1.5 relative rate Default 1	Raises processing cost
`storage`	Food capacity Holds more prey material	0.6–1.6 relative vacuole Default 1.2	Raises maintenance
`acquisitionCapacity`	Optional food DNA retention Can retain one compatible donor locus after ingestion for later descendant integration when enabled	0–1 fragment retention Default 0	Retention spends usable energy
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost
`cannibalism`	Same-family prey recognition At 0.55 or above, permits hunting smaller members of the same hunter family	0–1 prey recognition Default 0	Adds sensory upkeep when expressed

Amoeba hunterfloor-ciliate-hunter · 34 genes

predator · living floor amoebas · binary fission · supported

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`divisionTempo`	Growth and division pace Changes biomass growth rate and minimum division age	0.6–1.8 relative rate Default 1	Faster division raises upkeep
`propulsion`	Swimming force Faster approach and escape	0–1 ciliary thrust Default 0.6	Raises active swimming use
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`flocking`	3D schooling tendency Blends alignment, cohesion and close-range separation with resource seeking	0–1 neighbor response Default 0	Neighbor sensing raises maintenance
`sensingRange`	Local prey detection Extends bounded physical perception	0.5–1.5 relative range Default 1	Raises maintenance
`feedingAperture`	Prey size limit Admits larger individual prey	0.7–1.6 relative mouth Default 1.3	Raises mouth maintenance
`processing`	Food processing speed Digests stored meals faster	0.5–1.5 relative rate Default 1	Raises processing cost
`storage`	Food capacity Holds more prey material	0.6–1.6 relative vacuole Default 1.2	Raises maintenance
`acquisitionCapacity`	Optional food DNA retention Can retain one compatible donor locus after ingestion for later descendant integration when enabled	0–1 fragment retention Default 0	Retention spends usable energy
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Amoeboid crawleramoeboid-prototype · 28 genes

scavenger · carrion + detritus · binary fission · experimental

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`propulsion`	Swimming thrust Horizontal and vertical acceleration	0–1 active thrust Default 0.35	Active swimming spends energy
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`sporeInvestment`	Asexual spore production A mature decomposer may release finite spores from body reserves	0–1 propagule investment Default 0	Each viable spore spends body material and energy
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Surface glider · development seedsurface-glider-prototype · 28 genes

producer · light + mineral · binary fission · experimental

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`propulsion`	Swimming thrust Horizontal and vertical acceleration	0–1 active thrust Default 0.35	Active swimming spends energy
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`turnPersistence`	Heading persistence How slowly steering changes direction	0–1 heading memory Default 0.55	No direct extra energy cost
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`sporeInvestment`	Asexual spore production A mature decomposer may release finite spores from body reserves	0–1 propagule investment Default 0	Each viable spore spends body material and energy
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Passive drifter · development seedpassive-drifter-prototype · 25 genes

producer · light + mineral · binary fission · experimental

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`buoyancy`	Passive settling or rising Changes current-driven vertical drift	-1–1 vertical bias Default 0	No active swim energy
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Attached contractile cell · development seedcontractile-prototype · 26 genes

producer · light + mineral · binary fission · experimental

Gene ID	Role and effect	Range · default	Cost
`bodySize`	Target mature body size Radius and structural biomass target	0.7–1.5 relative radius Default 1	Larger bodies pay more maintenance
`metabolicPace`	Inherited metabolic pace Scales upkeep and resource processing	0.8–1.2 relative pace Default 1	Higher pace spends more energy even when food is scarce
`slowdownThreshold`	Fuel slowdown ceiling Active swimming tapers logarithmically below this energy level and reaches zero at empty fuel	10–70 energy / 100 Default 35	Active movement cost falls with effort; basal upkeep remains
`contractility`	Contraction capacity Sets contraction speed and cost	0–1 stalk effort Default 0.6	Active contraction spends energy
`thermalOptimum`	Temperature preference Sets the peak of the temperature response	5–40 °C Default 22	Mismatch reduces usable gain
`rhythmPhase`	Preferred internal phase Rotates the inherited activity waveform	0–1 cycle turn Default 0	No direct cost
`rhythmStrength`	Daily rhythm strength Modulates effort and rest without stopping upkeep	0–1 activity bias Default 0	Rest saves motion energy
`twilightPreference`	Dawn and dusk preference At high values gives two activity peaks per cycle	0–1 two-window tendency Default 0	No direct cost
`entrainment`	Clock adjustment from sensed light Slowly nudges internal phase from local dawn and dusk	0–1 local lamp response Default 0	Included in ambient sensing
`ambientSense`	Ambient lamp sensing Measures local brightness and change	0–1 light investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`lightPreference`	Preferred local lamp level Steers toward a bounded bright, dim or intermediate habitat when ambient sensing is expressed	0–1 0–100 irradiance target Default 0.5	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`lightTolerance`	Lamp habitat tolerance Sets suitability half-width from 8 to 50 irradiance units; 1 is neutral and keeps legacy steering	0–1 response width Default 1	No extra cost beyond ambient sensing
`directionalSense`	Biological light direction Gives a coarse local signal bearing	0–1 receptor investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`spectralCenter`	Detector color preference Weights local biological signals by spectral match	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in detector upkeep
`spectralWidth`	Detector bandwidth Broad receptors receive more bands with less discrimination	0.1–1 relative bandwidth Default 1	Included in detector upkeep
`chemicalSense`	Local chemical sampling Improves nutrient gradients and enables compatible local chemical cues	0–1 field investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`toxinSynthesis`	Finite toxin synthesis Transfers body mineral into a small stored compound budget	0–1 secretory investment Default 0	Body mineral, energy and apparatus upkeep
`toxinRelease`	Triggered toxin release Permits paid local release after threat or prey contact	0–1 release propensity Default 0	Finite stored compound and cooldown
`irritantResistance`	Irritant resistance Reduces irritant uptake, including self exposure	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`motorResistance`	Motor toxin resistance Reduces motor compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`sensoryResistance`	Sensory toxin resistance Reduces sensory compound uptake	0–1 specific resistance Default 0	Structural and maintenance investment
`detoxification`	Toxin clearance Speeds internal dose clearance	0–1 clearance investment Default 0	Structural and processing energy
`disturbanceSense`	Local motion and contact response Responds to bounded nearby movement or contact	0–1 motion investment Default 0	Sensor upkeep and body material
`emissionCapacity`	Pulse capacity Allows short energy-paid biological light pulses	0–1 light organ Default 0	Body material and upkeep
`emissionPower`	Pulse brightness Sets emitted intensity and energy expense	0–1 pulse effort Default 0	Usable energy per pulse
`emissionBand`	Emitted color band Sets pulse spectrum	0–1 spectrum turn Default 0	Included in emission cost

Inheritance and manual edits

Division starts from the actual parent genome. Each locus can mutate under the dish mutation rate (the new-dish default is 0.12 per locus); a mutation changes at most six percent of that locus’s allowed span before bounds or circular wrapping apply. Compatible mature algae can exchange a partner genome after sustained body contact when Contact Exchange is enabled. That paid stored commitment can recombine differing loci in a later daughter; contact alone is not gamete fusion.

Acquired food DNA is experimental. With its feature enabled, acquisitionCapacity ≥0.55, enough usable energy and a compatible differing donor locus, a consumer can retain one fragment at a two-energy cost. Retention may fail during digestion and is not immediate genome replacement. A manual CRISPR edit changes the held organism’s genome while preserving its physical ID and ancestry, records a separate intervention, and only affects later descendants. Importing a DNA file creates a candidate genotype, never a claimed natural ancestor.

Behavior and senses

Controllers sample bounded local light, food, contacts and compatible chemical fields. Sensing a cue and deciding to pursue it are separate. A local concentration gradient does not reveal the emitter's path or guarantee a successful hunt. Physical bodies, depth and mouth reach can block a sensed meal. Movement and specialized apparatus spend energy; biological state can prevent an otherwise valid gene from expressing a visible action.

Algae use light and dissolved mineral; consumers use supported diets and actual encounters. Chemical release, toxin exposure, reproductive particles and adhesion obey their own feature toggles and finite stores. See the in-app inspector for live thresholds, current costs and reasons an individual is waiting.

Environment

The dish uses normalized XYZ positions and volume-scaled resource fields. Depth and camera focus are distinct. Lamp level, temperature, nutrients, currents and bodies affect opportunities, but changing camera zoom cannot change biology. Pausing and lifting stop simulated time according to the app's current lift policy; loading a dish adds no offline aging.

The machine-readable environment reference lists defaults, chemical channels and propagule limits. World limits include a cell population cap and bounded chemical/propagule packets. A valid genome does not guarantee resources, space, suitable light, a compatible gamete, successful contact or ecological survival.

Signals and reproductive cycles

The chemical substrate has a 256-packet cap and separate mate, aversive, kin, food, rot, toxin, algae-warning and algae-surplus channels. Live receptor strength is local and channel-specific. A chemical cue can guide movement but cannot fertilize a cell. Toxin release draws from a finite synthesized store; passive rot and food odors follow their own accounted pathways.

With Fusion / Propagules enabled, algae need fusionCapacity ≥0.7 and crossAffinity ≥0.5 to make gametes. A parent must be at least 30 simulated seconds old, have mature-body mass ×1.15 + 0.20, at least 30 usable fuel, no active release cooldown and room under the 128-particle cap. Release spends 0.20 body mass and 10 fuel. Gametes last 45 seconds; different parents with opposite mating types must physically meet in XYZ after five seconds. The resulting zygote then needs an eight-second recovery. A mating scent does not itself fuse gametes.

The amoeboid crawler can produce asexual spores when sporeInvestment ≥0.7 under the same feature toggle. Its parent needs 30 seconds of maturity, mature-body mass ×1.15 + 0.25, at least 32 fuel and available particle capacity. Release spends 0.25 body mass and 12 fuel. A spore remains viable for 90 seconds and needs at least five seconds of age, floor organics and an open cell/support slot to germinate. Expired particle mass returns through the medium deposit pathway. This describes the supported fictional unicellular cycle, not fungal mycelium.

Why nothing happens

Still or starving cell: inspect usable fuel, maturity, actual edible prey, body access and local nutrients.
No detected scent or light: check the specific receptor genes, source channel, local field, feature toggle and light/depth conditions.
No division: inspect body material, energy, age, population cap and free daughter space.
No fusion or germination: inspect mating type, physical XYZ contact, viable age, floor organics, particle/cell caps and the selected propagule’s next requirement.

Design a compatible variant

Choose a family below with the required feeding and movement engine.
Start from a validated example and change numeric alleles within that family's bounds.
Read each gene's effect and cost, then check expression prerequisites in the simulation.
Validate the whole JSON here. Preview is isolated and does not run a dish.
Open Catalog settings in PreyLab, paste or choose the validated JSON, preview it, then explicitly save the candidate. Placement remains a separate action.

conservative producer JSON ↓mobile grazer JSON ↓gamete producer JSON ↓floor scavenger JSON ↓

Example validation establishes structural compatibility only. It is not a claim of ecological viability.

DNA exchange v2

One UTF-8 JSON object contains format: "preylab-dna", schemaVersion: 2, modelVersion: 2, one supported family, and a fully resolved alleles map. Every family gene is required. Historical schema 1 may omit the newly explicit debris pathway, which is migrated once. Optional display text and notes do not change genotype identity. Unknown fields, duplicate keys, oversized files, nonfinite or out-of-range values are rejected.

Canonical genome identity uses the existing canonicalGenome ordering: [modelVersion,family,[[gene,Number.toString(value)],…]] in registry order, then SHA-256 of UTF-8 bytes. Display text is excluded. An exported historical genome with previously omitted genes is expanded using the current model-2 rules; the resulting fully resolved signature may differ from its older partial representation.

Schema: schema.json · Runtime rules: manifest.json · Size limit: 16 KiB.

Local DNA workbench

Paste or choose a file. Validation happens in this browser. Nothing is sent to another service.

DNA JSON

Choose JSON

Choose an example or paste a DNA record.

Current limits and next step

This page validates and exports records. The catalog accepts validated DNA as an owner-scoped candidate. Saving does not place a cell; catalog and archive round-trip verification remain separate. Current supported engines and gene rules are in the generated manifest; future families need engine implementation, not just new IDs. A future authorized lab API could read capabilities, validate candidates, create catalog entries, configure dishes, place cells and observe bounded telemetry, but no remote access is provided here.

For AI species designers: read the model version and manifest, use only listed family genes, return one importable JSON record plus niche, costs, weaknesses and test conditions. Do not invent gene IDs. State separately whether the design merely validates, was runtime tested, or was ecologically observed.

Portable environment and app settings

In PreyLab open Settings → Presets → Empty Dish Environment JSON. Export a resolved starting field, or load one of the steady-light, day/night and nutrient-limited examples. Upload or paste JSON, validate and preview the mineral budget and forcing, then explicitly create a new empty dish. Add organisms afterward using the catalog. The outgoing dish is archived before switching. The original initial preset stays as provenance on reload; current depleted fields are never reset from it.

Settings → Presets → Experiment Protocol JSON exports and validates the next dish’s numerical living-cell cap, support-family birth quota, forced lifespan and mutation chance. 100% quota and 0 ms forced lifespan disable those interventions. This record is separate from the physical Environment v1 signature and visual preferences. Existing dishes retain their rules. Settings → App → App Preferences JSON exports visual controls and ordered local rack names. Preview and apply selected appearance, layout or rack scopes. Rack dish references stay on this device and do not grant archive access. Reset and Restore Previous act on display preferences; saved dish camera settings are separate.

Environment contract: JSON Schema v1 · steady light · day/night · nutrient limitation. App contract: JSON Schema v1. Read the source audit and ownership ledger for exclusions and follow-up work.