Complex adaptive systems intrigued me. I found that many systems can have an argument for complex adaptive systems. For example, ants do things that have complex systems and some that o not.
James,
I see how the layers of atmosphere can be argued as a complex adaptive system. Still, knowing that different elements and compounds are within each atmosphere, do you think they follow the same rules or does EACH layer have its own C.A.S.?
The water cycle is a complex adaptive system in my subject area. It has simple rules, no leader, patterns emerge, elements can be altered to equal adaptation, and small changes in condition can equal large changes in outcomes.
The human body is a complex adaptive system that is constantly changing in response to both internal an external stimuli.
I agree that molecular motion in fluids are complex adaptive systems.
I teach 7th grade Life Science. An example of a complex adaptive system could be any of the human body systems.
Even though I currently teach computer classes, I integrate many science topics into our lessons throughout the year. One of the complex adaptive systems that comes to mind is the study of predatory/prey scenarios.
This concept is often used in modeling software to help students understand how the dynamics within a food chain can work.
There is no set leader - just the predators and the prey. Their interaction with each other generally follows very simple rules for survival and reproduction. If an outside factor upsets this interaction, it will adapt accordingly.
Oh - I love that concept! You are absolutely correct here. The human brain is constantly reacting and adapting to changes as we grow and learn (or put toxic things into our system).
Oceanic circulation, driven by thermohaline circulation, is an example of a CAS. As certain molecules respond to gradients, those gradients shift, causing other molecules to rise, or sink. Furthermore, each individual molecule follows a particular set of rules on how to respond to forcings, however, when one looks on the global scale, you see a massive transport of salt and heat.
I love doing predator-prey graphing with my students, also population dynamics that respond to food, space, and gas availabilities.
I think about almost any of the cycles. Carbon, Hydrologic, Rock…all of which have small interacting parts that make up a larger system.
I teach the interactions between the molecules of the atmosphere–both gases and liquids-- in response to solar energy, thus creating complex weather patterns, as an example of complex adaptive systems.
A food web is a complex adaptative system because there is no leader and individual actions can determine large changes in the ecosystem
I agree many components of a cell, like the mitochondria or chloroplasts are complex adaptive systems within the greater system of the cell itself.
I was thinking weather immediately!
I can think of many for Earth science. One is the weather. Another would be our oceans and how living and nonliving things interact within the ocean.
Genetics and genetic mutation, maybe? Definitely adaptation and interaction in biomes. Chemical reactions and even Newton’s Laws.
The various levels of organization inside organisms represent adaptive systems. How cells behave within tissues seems to be a good example.
I totally agree. I would think that adaptive systems would also be represented as cells being part of tissue, how various tissues make up an organ, and so on.
Teaching Earth Science, there are many complex systems within the curriculum. Between weather to space to the Earth itself. What’s more impressive is implementing new technologies (cloud seeding) and seeing if the system still behaves the same way.