Viruses as Complex Adaptive Systems

Viruses are essential regulators of the composition and complexity of ecosystems on a global scale, and they play a major role as drivers of our evolution as a species. This concise book draws on complex systems theory to provide a fresh look at viral origins, populations, and evolution, and the coevolutionary dynamics of viruses and their hosts. It explains how the application of complex systems theory to viral dynamics has provided new insights into the development of AIDS, the emergence of new antigenic variants of the influenza A virus, and other cutting-edge advances.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 11 December 2018
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Viruses, ubiquitous entities that infect a wide range of living organisms, from the smallest bacteria to the largest mammals, exhibit a remarkable diversity and complexity. While some viruses can be harmful parasites, they also play a crucial role in shaping our evolution as a species and regulating the composition and complexity of ecosystems on a global scale. In this concise book, complex systems theory is employed to provide a fresh perspective on viral origins, populations, and evolution, as well as the coevolutionary dynamics between viruses and their hosts.

New viruses continue to emerge, posing significant threats to human health, agriculture, and animal welfare. Viruses possess unique characteristics that enable them to evade our immune systems, rendering antiviral therapies and vaccination campaigns ineffective against them. The tremendous evolutionary potential of viruses allows them to adapt rapidly to any environmental challenge, contributing to their unique biology.

Ricard Solé and Santiago Elena present a unified framework for understanding viruses as complex adaptive systems. Through the application of complex systems theory to viral dynamics, they have gained valuable insights into various aspects of viral behavior. This includes the development of AIDS in patients infected with HIV-1, the emergence of new antigenic variants of the influenza A virus, and other groundbreaking advances in the field.

Viruses as Complex Adaptive Systems is an essential read for biologists, physicists, and mathematicians interested in complexity. It extends the analogy of viruses to the evolution of other replicators, such as computer viruses, cancer, and languages, highlighting the broader implications of studying viral dynamics.

In conclusion, viruses, as complex adaptive systems, possess a profound impact on our world. By employing complex systems theory, we can gain a deeper understanding of their origins, populations, evolution, and coevolutionary dynamics. This knowledge is crucial in developing effective strategies to combat viruses, protect public health, and preserve the integrity of ecosystems.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 214 x 139 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691158846