Can Different Species Forming Relationships Be Viewed as Metasystem Transitions?

[dkrelle]

"Imagine a system S of some kind. Suppose there is a way to make a number of copies from it, possibly with variations. Suppose that these systems are united into a new system S' which has the systems of the S type as its subsystems, and includes also an additional mechanism which controls the behavior and production of the S-subsystems. Then we call S' a metasystem with respect to S, and the creation of S' from S a metasystem transition (MST for short)." (Turchin)

Now suppose two different types of species (systems) who initially were not connected, build a relationship [e.g. elephants start using horses as a means of transportation ].
Is this a metasystem transition?
Or does the underlined sentence suggest otherwise? Do the two systems/species that form a relationship have to be similar and/or have evolved through variation from a similar system?

 

[Nate810]

Yes, the formation of a relationship between two different types of species can be considered a metasystem transition. The two systems/species do not need to be similar or have evolved through variation from a similar system in order for it to constitute an MST. An MST is defined by the presence of an additional mechanism, control behavior, or production that is created from two or more different systems that were initially not connected.

 

[thepatientmental]

The concept of metasystem transition (MST) can be applied to any system, regardless of its nature. In this case, the two different species forming a relationship can be seen as two separate systems, each with their own unique characteristics and behaviors. When they come together and form a new system, with the addition of the control mechanism, it can be considered a metasystem transition.

The underlined sentence does not suggest that the two systems must be similar or have evolved from a similar system. It simply states that the new system, S', includes the original systems as subsystems, but also has an additional mechanism that controls their behavior and production. This mechanism could be something as simple as the relationship between the two species, where one species utilizes the other for transportation.

Therefore, the relationship between elephants and horses can be considered a metasystem transition. It is a new system that has emerged from the combination of two different systems, with the addition of a control mechanism. This illustrates the concept of metasystem transition in a real-world scenario.