Ecosystems and the Biosphere as Complex Adaptive Systems

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1998
Authors:S. A. Levin
Journal:Ecosystems
Volume:1
Pagination:431–436
Date Published:September
ISSN:1432-9840
Keywords:ecology, evolution, systems, theory
Abstract:

ABSTRACT   Ecosystems are prototypical examples of complex adaptive systems, in which patterns at higher levels emerge from localized interactions and selection processes acting at lower levels. An essential aspect of such systems is nonlinearity, leading to historical dependency and multiple possible outcomes of dynamics. Given this, it is essential to determine the degree to which system features are determined by environmental conditions, and the degree to which they are the result of self-organization. Furthermore, given the multiple levels at which dynamics become apparent and at which selection can act, central issues relate to how evolution shapes ecosystems properties, and whether ecosystems become buffered to changes (more resilient) over their ecological and evolutionary development or proceed to critical states and the edge of chaos.

URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s100219900037
DOI:10.1007/s100219900037
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith