4 Some concepts related to complexity

4.4 Variety

Variety is a key component of evolution. Examples might be "the bone structure is more complex as there is a greater variety of basic shapes" or "this species markings are complex due to their great variety". As with the above ideas the implication is not both ways; some variety is necessary for complexity but it is not sufficient for it. One can imagine a piece of electronic music that went through all possible variations of a set of notes, without this being a complex piece of music in its perceived form.

What is Complexity? - The philosophy of complexity per se with application to some examples in evolution - 14 JUN 95

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