Analysing hierarchy in the organization of biological and physical systems.
A structured approach is discussed for analysing hierarchy in the organization of biological and physical systems. The need for a structured approach follows from the observation that many hierarchies in the literature apply conflicting hierarchy rules and include ill-defined systems. As an alternative, we suggest a framework that is based on the following analytical steps: determination of the succession stage of the universe, identification of a specific system as part of the universe, specification of external influences on a system's creation and analysis of a system's internal organization. At the end, the paper discusses practical implications of the proposed method for the analysis of system organization and hierarchy in biology, ecology and physics.
Jagers op Akkerhuis
Gerard A J M
GA
Wageningen University and Research Centre, Alterra, Centre for Ecosystem Studies P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands. gerard.jagers@wur.nl
D000818:Animals; D001695:Biology; D004602:Elements; D006801:Humans; D010802:Phylogeny; D013598:Systems Theory
D004602:Elements