Nested structure involves zooming in to see multiple levels of structure, while modularity involves separating a system into parts with different functions
Democracy is an example of nested structure where decisions are made on multiple levels, from parliament down to local councils
Modularity is exemplified in the brain, where different parts are responsible for different functions
Structurally, networks can also exhibit modularity
Nested structure involves hierarchy, while modularity does not
In our last episode, we talked about the four conditions of complex systems: numerosity, disorder and diversity, feedback, and non-equilibrium — and we also talked about the concept of emergence. In this episode, which is part two of our two-part series on the features of complex systems, we're joined again by Karoline Wiesner, Professor of Complexity Science in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Potsdam in Germany.
In this episode, Karoline explains the six emergent features of complex systems:
Spontaneous order and self-organisation
Non-linearity
Robustness
Nested structure and modularity
History and memory
Adaptive behaviour
By the time you've finished this episode, you'll understand the underlying principles of complex systems that hold together the wide variety of topics we talk about in this series.