We look for similarities and differences between two epigenetic models, by Turing and Edelman, as they are realized in Game of Life objects. We show that Conway's organization of rules reflects the epigenetic principle, that genetic action and developmental processes are inseparable dimensions of a single biological system, analogous to the integration processes in symbiopoiesis.
We apply it to other biological processes, including symbiopoiesis. This game was designed to explore the evolution of ecological communities. Conway's Game of Life has been widely used for this purpose.
Cellular automatons and computer simulation games are widely used as heuristic devices in biology, to explore implications and consequences of specific theories.
