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Convergent Evolution
When a trait develops independently in two or more evolutionary sequences or groups of organisms; e.g. the development of skin-flap wings in pterodactyls and bats. Mathematically, this refers to dynamic systems settling into an attractor.
Related Articles
- Attractor - Text by M. Alan Kazlev
An archetype or state that is characterization of the long-term behaviour of a dissipative dynamic system. Over long periods of time, the state space of some dynamical systems will contract toward this region. The Archailects are said to be dynamic systems that characterize particular attractors. Likewise, certain biological forms, certain memes, certain technological solutions, and so on, are known to have emerged independently on completely different planets or among different alien races. - Diverge, Divergence - Text by M. Alan Kazlev
Algorithms that continue forever, iterative systems, Mandelbrot-like fractals, virchworlds or alife environments that reaching a state such that all future states increase (sometimes exponentially) in size. - Divergent Track Hypothesis - Text by Nicholas Bostrum in Anders Sandberg's Transhumanist Terminology
Memeticity which says that cultures tend to converge towards a few attractor states (for example the archailect empires), while the attractor states diverge from each other. A rival to the strong convergence hypothesis - Strong Convergence Hypothesis - Text by Nick Bostrom in Anders Sandberg's Transhuman Terminology
The postulate that all sufficiently advanced cultures converge towards the same state. A rival hypothesis is the divergent track hypothesis.
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Development Notes
Text by M. Alan Kazlev
Initially published on 24 September 2001.
Initially published on 24 September 2001.
