Biogeography‐Based Optimization

Abstract

Abstract-We propose a novel variation to biogeographybased optimization (BBO), which is an evolutionary algorithm (EA) developed for global optimization. The new algorithm employs opposition-based learning (OBL) alongside BBO's migration rates to create oppositional BBO (OB BO). Additionally, a new opposition method named quasi-reflection is introduced. Quasi-reflection is based on opposite numbers theory and we mathematically prove that it has the highest expected probability of being closer to the problem solution among all OBL methods. The oppositional algorithm is further revised by the addition of dynamic domain scaling and weighted reflection. Simulations have been performed to validate the performance of quasiopposition as well as a mathematical analysis for a singledimensional problem. Empirical results demonstrate that with the assistance of quasi-reflection, OB BO significantly outperforms BBO in terms of success rate and the number of fitness function evaluations required to find an optimal solution.Index Terms-Biogeography-based optimization (BBO), evolutionary algorithms, opposition-based learning, opposite numbers, quasi-opposite numbers, quasi-reflected numbers, probability.