Degrees Of Freedom: Living In Dynamic Boundaries (Hardcover)

Drawing especially on insights emerging from studies of the cellular networks formed by fungi, this book describes the fundamental indeterminacy that enables life forms to thrive in and create inconstant circumstances. It explains how indeterminacy arises from counteraction between associative and dissociative processes at the reactive interfaces between living systems and their surroundings. It stresses the relevance of these processes to understanding the dynamic contexts within which living systems of all kinds - including human societies-explore for, use up, conserve and recycle sources of energy.By focusing on dynamic boundaries, the book counterbalances the discretist view that living systems are assembled entirely from building-block-like units - individuals and genes - that can be freely sifted, as opposed to channeled, by natural selection. It also shows how the versatility that enables life forms to proliferate in rich environments, whilst minimizing losses in restrictive environments, depends on capacities for error and co-operation within a fluid, non-hierarchical power structure. Understanding this point yields a more compassionate, less competitive and less self-centred outlook on life's successes and failures.

General

Imprint:	Imperial College Press
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	1997
First published:	1997
Authors:	Alan D.M. Rayner
Dimensions:	230 x 160 x 23mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	328
ISBN-13:	978-1-86094-037-8
Categories:	Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Molecular biology Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Ecological science, the Biosphere Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Cellular biology > General Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Human biology & related topics > General
LSN:	1-86094-037-4
Barcode:	9781860940378

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