6533b7d8fe1ef96bd126ab5f
RESEARCH PRODUCT
An Outline of Morpho-Constructional Analysis
Norbert Schmidt-kittlersubject
Transformation (function)Basis (linear algebra)biologyComputer scienceDegrees of freedomMorphoOrganizational unitBiochemical engineeringResultantbiology.organism_classificationdescription
A concept of morpho-constructional analysis is outlined which describes functions of organic features in terms of transformation of energy input into effect output on the strength of physical principles. The dependence of effect outputs on constructional parameters, such as geometrical configurations and material properties, is illustrated in a vector model. It shows that performances of organisms, on principle, can be provided in equivalent manner by different constructional solutions. Options exist in regards to (1) how constructional parameters can be provided by an organism, (2) how particular effects or performances can be produced, and (3) how organizational units can be constrained by other features or properties of the organism. Together with the fact that selective forces are only placed on effect outputs or performances, this explains why evolving organisms, on principle, dispose of considerable degrees of freedom in developing constructional solutions to environmental demands. On the basis of the model it can further be demonstrated that optimality and economy of organic features have a fundamentally distinct meaning.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991-01-01 |