Berlin 2005 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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SYBN: Biological and Social Networks

SYBN 1: Biologische und Soziale Netzwerke I

SYBN 1.1: Hauptvortrag

Montag, 7. März 2005, 09:45–10:15, TU HE101

Computation, evolution and tinkering in complex networks — •Ricard Sole — ICREA-Complex Systems Lab, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr Aiguader 80, E-08003 Barcelona

Complex biological networks have very different origins than technologic ones. The latter involve extensive design and, as engineered structures, include a high level of optimization. The former involve (in principle) contingency and structural constraints, with new structures being incorporated through tinkering with previously evolved modules or units. However, the observation of the topological features of different biological nets suggests that nature can have a limited repertoire of "attractors" suggesting some common principles of evolution beyond their specific nature. A relevant link in this context involves the presence of computation, which is known to be robust in biological systems and fragile within the technological universe. Surprisingly, many relevant features of complex natural networks (some shared by artificial ones) are a consequence of evolutionary rules with weak relation to functionality. Conversely, when evolving artificial systems using bio-inspired rules, robustness to failure and heterogeneous topology seem to emerge as a byproduct of the evolutionary rules. These observations will help understanding the evolution of complexity in nature and reinventing the way technology is beign designed.