Emergent Evolution (Noun)
Meaning
The appearance of entirely new properties at certain critical stages in the course of evolution.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Complex life forms have developed from simple precellular ones, illustrating emergent evolution where distinct new entities have appeared through gradual changes.
- Emergent evolution happens only in holons, those complex systems which both encompass and are encompassed by another system as sub-wholes.
- With increased connectivity, groups and communities can demonstrate emergent evolution where collective behavior supersedes individual characteristics.
- Biologists have long argued that cells or organs show characteristics unexplained by their individual component parts, embodying emergent evolution in the process.
- Emergent evolution characterizes systems in which holistic properties appear during process of organization resulting from interaction among components.