A form of causal relationship in which two processes exert a mutual influence on one another; or, a form of causation involving interactions and feedback across multiple causal levels.
Concepts View
Reciprocal Causation
References:
Buskell, A. (2019). “Reciprocal causation and the extended evolutionary synthesis.” Biological Theory 14:267–279.
Topical Filter:
Causation in Development and Evolution
Causation in Development and Evolution
Regulation (or, Biological Regulation)
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.
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 functionality and organization despite internal and external perturbations.
References:
Kitano, H. (2004). “Biological robustness.” Nature Reviews Genetics 5(11):826–837.