SYSTEM (Colonial)
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3340 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Human sciences, Methodology or model |
A system that expands by creating new systems of its own kind in its environment.
In this sense the conservation of genetic identity, or in human systems, language and cultural values is paramount. The maintenance of a strong bind with the original system is also essential.
Many plants are colonial. One of the most interesting case is that of some originally individual poplar trees, which may finally occupy quite a wide area, through ofshoots from far-reaching roots. Bracken (in England) is another example. The banyan tree is still another.
Animals do not seem to evolve in colonial systems, save some invertebrates as for example hydrae.
In human systems, multinational enterprises, religious organizations, or the former colonial empires are examples of colonial systems.