The capacity of biological systems to modulate their component processes in response to changes in internal or external conditions. Often, regulation is achieved by designated subsystems that are partly independent of the dynamics of controlled processes.
Concepts View
Regulation (Biological)
References:
Bich, L., Mossio, M., Ruiz-Mirazo, K. and A. Moreno. (2016). “Biological regulation: controlling the system from within.” Biology & Philosophy 31:237–265.
Replicator
An entity that passes on its structure largely intact through successive replications.
References:
Hull, D.L. (1980). “Individuality and selection.” Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 11:311–322.
Allied Concepts:
Agential Explanation, Gene’s-Eye View of Evolution, Interactor, Natural selection, Selfish Gene Theory
Agential Explanation, Gene’s-Eye View of Evolution, Interactor, Natural selection, Selfish Gene Theory
Robustness
The ability of a system to maintain its functions and organization despite internal and external perturbations.
References:
Kitano, H. (2004). “Biological robustness.” Nature Reviews Genetics 5(11):826–837.