Scientists have long been fascinated by the adaptive morphogenesis of organisms within ecosystems, and have recently begun to explain this generative process.

Above is a painting by the 19th century naturalist Ernst Haeckel, who was astonished by the endless variety and complexity of such creatures.

  • Salingaros, Nikos A., and Michael W. Mehaffy. "Ch 17. Alexander’s Sustainable Technology" In Design for a Living Planet: Settlement, Science, & the Human Future. Design for a Living Planet: Settlement, Science, & the Human Future. Levellers/Sustasis Press and Vajra Publications, 2015. Digital Library

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