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Phase transitions in biology: from bird flocks to population dynamics.


ABSTRACT: Phase transitions are an important and extensively studied concept in physics. The insights derived from understanding phase transitions in physics have recently and successfully been applied to a number of different phenomena in biological systems. Here, we provide a brief review of phase transitions and their role in explaining biological processes ranging from collective behaviour in animal flocks to neuronal firing. We also highlight a new and exciting area where phase transition theory is particularly applicable: population collapse and extinction. We discuss how phase transition theory can give insight into a range of extinction events such as population decline due to climate change or microbial responses to stressors such as antibiotic treatment.

SUBMITTER: Heffern EFW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8527202 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Phase transitions in biology: from bird flocks to population dynamics.

Heffern Elleard F W EFW   Huelskamp Holly H   Bahar Sonya S   Inglis R Fredrik RF  

Proceedings. Biological sciences 20211020 1961


Phase transitions are an important and extensively studied concept in physics. The insights derived from understanding phase transitions in physics have recently and successfully been applied to a number of different phenomena in biological systems. Here, we provide a brief review of phase transitions and their role in explaining biological processes ranging from collective behaviour in animal flocks to neuronal firing. We also highlight a new and exciting area where phase transition theory is p  ...[more]

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