Methods that evolve solutions, or artworks, through mutation and selection over many generations, in imitation of natural evolution. Genetic algorithms are the best-known kind.
Whereas, in theory, evolutionary algorithms can invent completely new, different things that you wouldn't have thought of or predicted because they're not based on existing data.
Karl Sims, Karl Sims & Alexander Mordvintsev on Merging Technology and Biology
Using evolutionary algorithms, the lab designs simple synthetic organisms that can be directed to move objects and manipulate their environment.
Agnieszka Kurant, Agnieszka Kurant on Alien Thoughts