On the limits of complexity in living forms.
In a recent book chapter, Morris, S.C., 2013. Life: the final frontier for complexity? In: Lineweaver, C.H., Davies, P.C.W., Ruse, M. (Eds.), Complexity and the Arrow of Time. pp. 135-161. argues that there are limits to the complexity of life forms and that with the exception of human beings these limits have already been reached. We recommend seeing human use of technology as a natural, evolutionary process. We then proceed to claim that biological engineering other species to increase their complexity can be an efficient way to delay the heat death locally. Whenever, wherever in the universe living things become intelligent enough to perform these kinds of operations, they will be able to increase complexity around them as long as a gradient of energy is available. This conclusion has deep impact on both science and philosophy.
Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Sao Paulo, Institute of Biosciences, 05508-900 Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: gvbarroso@gmail.com.
Gustavo V
GV
Barroso
Department of Zoology, Federal University of Parana, PB 19020, 81531-980 Curitiba, Parana, Brazil.
David R
DR
Luz
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005121:Extremities; D006801:Humans
Complexity; Dissipative structures; Evolution; Systems biology