title: Rapid exploration of alternatives via chaos.
abstract: Temporary chaos facilitates a rapid exploration of alternative asymptotic possibilities. The phenomenon of alternative-exploration via chaos is shown to have a finite probability of occurrence for a class of dynamical systems, the evolution of which is described by (complex) analytic maps. The ability to explore alternatives confers an adaptive advantage, and the possible relevance of temporary chaos to rapid mutations is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Physics Department, University of Maryland, College Park 20742.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Woo
mesh_terms: D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D005075:Biological Evolution; D009154:Mutation; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics