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Emergent properties from organisms to ecosystems: towards a realistic approach
Author(s) -
Ponge JeanFrançois
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
biological reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.993
H-Index - 165
eISSN - 1469-185X
pISSN - 1464-7931
DOI - 10.1017/s146479310500672x
Subject(s) - social connectedness , reductionism , complex system , ecosystem , computer science , ecology , ecological systems theory , biology , epistemology , artificial intelligence , psychology , philosophy , psychotherapist
ABSTRACT More realistic approaches are needed to understand the complexity of ecological systems. Emergent properties of real systems can be used as a basis for a new, neither reductionist nor holistic, approach. Three systems, termed here BUBBLEs, WAVEs and CRYSTALS, have been identified as exhibiting emergent properties. They are non‐hierarchical assemblages of individual components, with amplification and connectedness being two main principles that govern their build‐up, maintenance and mutual relationships. Examples from various fields of biological and ecological science are referred to, ranging from individual organisms to landscapes.