title: Global Optimization, Local Adaptation, and the Role of Growth in Distribution Networks.
abstract: Highly optimized complex transport networks serve crucial functions in many man-made and natural systems such as power grids and plant or animal vasculature. Often, the relevant optimization functional is nonconvex and characterized by many local extrema. In general, finding the global, or nearly global optimum is difficult. In biological systems, it is believed that such an optimal state is slowly achieved through natural selection. However, general coarse grained models for flow networks with local positive feedback rules for the vessel conductivity typically get trapped in low efficiency, local minima. In this work we show how the growth of the underlying tissue, coupled to the dynamical equations for network development, can drive the system to a dramatically improved optimal state. This general model provides a surprisingly simple explanation for the appearance of highly optimized transport networks in biology such as leaf and animal vasculature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ronellenfitsch
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Eleni
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Katifori
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D002319:Cardiovascular System; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008954:Models, Biological; D018521:Plant Physiological Phenomena; D012641:Selection, Genetic