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Wiley, Biological Reviews, 03(80), p. 403, 2005

DOI: 10.1017/s146479310500672x

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Emergent properties from organisms to ecosystems: towards a realistic approach

Journal article published in 2005 by Jean-François Ponge ORCID
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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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.