Selfreplication drives exponential growth in biological systems from "summary" of Complexity by Mitchell M. Waldrop
Selfreplication is the engine that powers the growth of biological systems. At its most basic level, selfreplication involves the creation of copies of an organism or entity, whether it be a single-celled bacterium or a complex multicellular organism. Each copy then has the potential to replicate itself in turn, leading to an exponential increase in the population. This exponential growth is driven by the inherent simplicity of selfreplication. The process of copying genetic information and producing new organisms is a relatively straightforward one, governed by the laws of chemistry and physics. As a result, selfreplication can occur rapidly and efficiently, allowing populations to grow at an exponential rate. In biological systems, this exponential growth can have far-reaching consequences. As populations expand, they can quickly outstrip the available resources, leading to competition for food, space, and other essential resources. This competition can drive the evolution of new strategies for survival, as organisms adapt to their changing environment in order to thrive and reproduce. The concept of selfreplication driving exponential growth is a fundamental principle of biology, shaping the development of life on Earth for billions of years. From the simplest single-celled organisms to the complex ecosystems that make up our planet, selfreplication is a driving force behind the diversity and abundance of life that we see today. In summary, selfreplication drives exponential growth in biological systems through the simple yet powerful process of creating copies of organisms and allowing them to replicate in turn. This exponential growth can lead to competition for resources and the evolution of new strategies for survival, shaping the development of life on Earth over billions of years.
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