Spatial evolution character of multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on self-organized criticality theory

► We model the spatial evolution character of MOEA using self-organized criticality. ► The statistical property of crowding distance displays a scale-free feature. ► The statistical property of crowding distance shows a power-law distribution. ► The evolutional rule of MOEA is a self-organized state transition process. ► The anti-Matthew effect is the internal incentive factor of most strategies.