In a message dated 1/22/2000 7:41:25 PM Pacific Standard Time,
rowen@technologist.com writes:
<<
This hypothesis equates this "cause" with what we call "sociality", or
more simply, "cooperation". It is not merely that each constituent
unit is perfectly selfish and in operating without the slightest interest
in other units is so integrated into the whole that the survival of the
organization is enhanced. To take one example, this organization will
subordinate the interests of units to the the survival of the brain,
sacrificing them as needed in the interests of collective survival.
Autophagia of muscle tissue to supply the brain with essential nutrients
is a case in point.[2]
>>
For an interesting, if flawed, view of the balancing act of unity with
autonomy in evolution read "Teh Janus" by Arthur Koestler. It is an animated
and humorous look at organisms, minute to huge....
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