Adaptation, complexity, and complex adaptive systems

Abstract

Adaptation is inherent in all biological organisms and societal systems, and provides the means for assuring the fitness and survival of any biological species or society in a given environment. It was of primary concern by biologists and scientists over time and produced strong debates about its nature and impact on life evolution. Complexity is also an inherent property of life, human society, and technology. It is due to the interrelationship, interdependence, and connectivity of elements and entities in the interior and the environment of an organism or system. Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) have the general properties of complex systems, but they also exhibit several higher level features. In this chapter, an overview of this field is provided including biological, hard science, soft science, and computer science issues. This chapter starts by introducing the concept of adaptation, its manifestations, and its basic properties and mechanisms. The adaptation measurement aspect is also examined. Then, the concept of “emergence”, which again is one of the most difficult philosophical concepts strongly connected with delicate questions of life existence and evolution on Earth, is examined. This chapter includes a short historical note highlighting the results and opinions of workers that have initiated and expanded the adaptation, and emergence scientific field.