>Robin
I folow some of the newer evolutionary theories which suggest that there is
a survival benefit to being cooperative (instead of competetive). The "Time
Chain" (http://members.tripod.com/~Drahcir/memes/meme_sigil.html) shows that
all life processes are similar, develop in relation to earlier processes,
maintain this consistency (as well as the physical "form" of the earlier
meme) and add something else--in addition to this form--which carries
forward this information (though on a less conscious level).
As to "how" this is done (as oppoed to the "why" above--that it is growth
enhancing): Systems theory seems to suggest that one way a meme evolves is
through "saltatation", it keeps one form of organization until a better form
is found and then "jumps" from the older form to the newer and more
efficient form). This is something like nerve impulses jumping from an area
of one charge to an area of a different charge because of the "potential"
difference--the new form has a greater "potential" for organizing the
information and carrying on the life process.
In an ecological system the idea of saltation implies that more organizeed
forms actually protect, nurture, and grow the less stable forms because such
an arrangement has mutual benefit for increasing complexity. This is like
the food chain idea with the added point that unless we encourage the growth
of food we will consume it completely and not have any to continue growing
ourselves. Though, in the case of bacteria, there might be *mutual*
benefits to our growing side-by-side--without the component of the one
eating the other.
Brett
At 03:41 PM 8/15/97 +0100, you wrote:
>Brett Lane Robertson wrote:
>>...my theory, "development", suggests that simpler
>>life forms are fundamental steps in attaining a more advanced state and
>are
>>as such "protected" by complexity as well; that is, advanced (more
>complex)
>>life forms must also select to keep the most simple processes in good
>>working order...
>And just how do the more complex lifeforms manage to
>influence the survival of the simpler ones?
>Robin
Returning,
rBERTS%n
Rabble Sonnet Retort
Every society honours its live conformists and its dead
troublemakers.
Mignon Mclaughlin