# BugSim

> Simulation game modeling Darwinian evolution and survival of the fittest. (iPhone/iPad app by Mike Wesemann.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugsim/id376219983 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Mike Wesemann](https://appshunter.io/developer/285807162)
- Category: Education, Entertainment
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 1 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-06-22
- Data updated: 2026-07-26
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugsim/id376219983/reviews.md

## What is BugSim?

Bugs is a simulation game for Darwinian evolution, specifically through survival of the fittest.

This program based on an idea presented in the May 1989 issue of Scientific American in an article titled Simulated Evolution: wherein bugs learn to hunt bacteria, by A. K. Dewdney.

## Key features

- Darwinian evolution simulation
- Survival of the fittest mechanics
- Bugs hunt bacteria
- Educational gameplay
- Based on Scientific American concept

## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugsim/id376219983/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Exactly what you expect

*2012-12-28, version 1.0*

The description correctly describes this app. Sure, it's not the best app on the market, but Mike (the app's creator) gives you a full disclaimer of what your getting. The app itself is excellent for demonstrating Darwinian evolution. Thanks!

### 3/5 — Interesting, but Lacks Complexity

*2012-07-25, version 1.0*

This is a very interesting app, and it is well done. The interface is simple and easy to understand, yet allows you to change all of the necessary properties of the environment.
The reason I am only getting three stars however, is because there are only ever going to be three situations that you will end up with. These situations are:
One) not enough food for the bugs to survive. In this situation the bugs are obviously going to die off.
Two) enough food evenly distributed. In this situation the bugs will evolve to move quickly without changing direction in order to cover the most grounds in the least amount of time.
Three) enough food concentrated in a single area. in the situation the bugs evolve to move slowly and change direction often so that they do not move far from their initial location.

It is possible to get other situations, but these are very unlikely and still only change the previously mentioned aspects of the behaviors.

To improve the game, predators needs be added. The bugs also need to be able to sense their surroundings in some way.

### 5/5 — Incredible

*2011-12-16, version 1.0*

It's like the Commodore Amiga app from way back when, only it now runs on the iPad!  If I had not found this app, I would have been forced to create it myself.  Many thanks to the devs for this great app.

### 4/5 — Reminiscent of looking at bacteria under a microscope

*2010-11-06, version 0*

Great app for anyone interested in biology. Really is like looking down a microscope, the 'bugs' behave kind of like flagelated bacteria. Lots of fun.

### 4/5 — Really great, simple sim

*2010-06-23, version 0*

I love sims like this, and this one is especially fun. It's just an evolution simulation, but just occupied me for an half an hour. I'd love to see the ability to test individual colors and drop food precisely. But seeing as it's a remake of sorts, I'm not sure if that can work.

Kids who like science will love this.

## Frequently asked questions about BugSim

### What is BugSim?

BugSim is a simulation game designed to teach Darwinian evolution through the concept of survival of the fittest. Players observe virtual bugs learning to hunt bacteria in their environment.

### What is the learning methodology of BugSim?

BugSim employs a simulation-based learning methodology, allowing users to observe and understand evolutionary principles in action. The game is based on an idea presented in a 1989 Scientific American article.

### How does BugSim track progress?

Progress tracking in BugSim is observational, focusing on the evolution of bug behaviors and survival rates within the simulation. The game does not offer explicit progress metrics or certifications.

### Does BugSim offer any certifications?

BugSim is an educational simulation game and does not offer any formal certifications upon completion of its gameplay.

### What devices does BugSim support?

BugSim is currently supported on iPad devices. It is designed for the iOS platform.

### How often is BugSim updated?

The latest version of BugSim is 2.1.0, last updated on February 26, 2025. This indicates a relatively recent update, suggesting ongoing support.

### What is the age rating for BugSim?

BugSim has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of young learners and adults interested in the subject matter.

### Does BugSim have ads?

BugSim is ad-free and does not contain any advertisements within the application.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2.0 — 2026-07-24

- bug fixes
- modernized interface
- speed improvement

### 2.1.0 — 2025-02-26

- bug fixes

### 2.0.1 — 2019-04-10

- support for new iPad sizes

### 2.0.0 — 2017-01-07

- updated
- bug fixes

### 1.10 — 2014-04-15

bug fixes
IOS 7 design

## Apps similar to BugSim

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [CloudLabs My Aquatic Ecosystem](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloudlabs-my-aquatic-ecosystem/id6470715075) | — | Free | Education |
| [Evolution: Simulator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/evolution-simulator/id6742989088) | 3.8 (4) | $1.99 | Education |
| [3-Body](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3-body/id6642661687) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Education |
| [Kodecoon](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodecoon/id6745817179) | — | Free | Education |
| [Counting Money CAD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/counting-money-cad/id1495944678) | — | $3.99 | Education |
| [Chaos Lab](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chaos-lab/id398270047) | 4.9 (7) | Free | Education |

## More apps by Mike Wesemann

- [Calc](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calc/id285807159)
- [64](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/64/id860201610)
- [Wetter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wetter/id864964263)
- [Wetter for iPhone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wetter-for-iphone/id1032971391)
- [Daviz](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/daviz/id1320607881)

All apps by Mike Wesemann: https://appshunter.io/developer/285807162

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-26.*