5. Interaction with a barrier

The barrier (vertical line) is made of the number 2. In the first CA history (A) the barrier was removed at day 82. The CA does not interact with it and dies on the 88^th day . Please note that the figure depicts the history of a one dimensional CA. The black line depicts the history of the barrier. At each day the barrier is placed at the same place.

In the second CA (B) the barrier was removed on day 90. The CA succeeded living somewhat longer and then died.

In the third CA (C) the barrier was removed on day 123. Initially the CA grew along the barrier, and when it was removed it regenerated and ultimately died.

During its interaction with the barrier the CA changed its structure and became a spore. This change was triggered by the barrier. Despite its new structure, the CA remembered its mature structure, which it regenerated after barrier removal.

Please note:

- The barrier represents here inert matter which is not incorporated by the CA. Nevertheless the CA uses it to remain alive and occasionally to mature and die a natural death.
- If the regenerating CA would have encountered a similar barrier, it would have continued living.
- Do you know of a modeling tool other than CA which might demonstrate a similar phenomenon?

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