Incluye referencias bibliográficas: p. [497]-524 e índice

Introduction to Biological Self-Organization -- What Is Self-Organization? -- How Self-Organization Works -- Characteristics of Self-Organizing Systems -- Alternatives to Self-Organization -- Why Self-Organization? -- Investigation of Self-Organization -- Misconceptions about Self-Organization -- Case Studies -- Pattern Formation in Slime Molds and Bacteria -- Feeding Aggregations of Bark Beetles -- Synchronized Flashing among Fireflies -- Fish Schooling -- Nectar Source Selection by Honey Bees -- Trail Formation in Ants -- The Swarm Raids of Army Ants -- Colony Thermoregulation in Honey Bees -- Comb Patterns in Honey Bee Colonies -- Wall Building by Ants -- Termite Mound Building -- Construction Algorithms in Wasps -- Dominance Hierarchies in Paper Wasps -- Conclusions -- Lessons, Speculations, and the Future of Self-Organization

"The synchronized flashing of fireflies at night. The spiraling patterns of an aggregating slime mold. The anastomosing network of army-ant trails. The coordinated movements of a school of fish. Researchers are finding in such patterns--phenomena that have fascinated naturalists for centuries--a fertile new approach to understanding biological systems: the study of self-organization. This book, a primer on self-organization in biological systems for students and other enthusiasts, introduces readers to the basic concepts and tools for studying self-organization and then examines numerous examples of self-organization in the natural world."--Sitio Web de la editorial