Complex behavior often arises out of very simple heuristics (rules of thumb). I see this a lot in my hypnosis practice when people are not consciously aware of their reasons for behaving in a certain way. The basic things you are taught as a child, even unintentionally, stay with you.
Scientists study swarm behavior to see how these simple, basic lessons or programs create extremely complex behavior in the natural world and how we can apply that new information in a helpful way to our own lives.
Here are some great pics of swarm behavior with accompanying captions.
Swarm Theory Pictures
There was an interesting talk about emergence patterns on TED.com. It seems very likely to me that the secret of complex systems in the cosmos - including the origins of life and intelligence - are rooted in the rules governing emergence. everything is much simpler than it at first appears. ; )
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