Linked by Loops: Network Structure and Switch Integration in Complex Dynamical Systems
Abstract
Description
Simple nonlinear dynamical systems with multiple stable stationary states are often taken as models for switchlike biological systems. This paper considers the interaction of multiple such simple multistable systems when they are embedded together into a larger dynamical "supersystem." Attention is focused on the network structure of the resulting set of coupled differential equations, and the consequences of this structure on the propensity of the embedded switches to act independently versus cooperatively. Specifically, it is argued that both larger average and larger variance of the node degree distribution lead to increased switch independence. Given the frequency of empirical observations of high variance degree distributions (e.g., power-law) in biological networks, it is suggested that the results presented here may aid in identifying switch-integrating subnetworks as comparatively homogenous, low-degree, substructures. Potential applications to ecological problems such as the relationship of stability and complexity are also briefly discussed.
21 pages, 5 figures. Paper simplified and shortened. Quantities presented in table 1 are different, though related, to quantities previously presented in table 1
21 pages, 5 figures. Paper simplified and shortened. Quantities presented in table 1 are different, though related, to quantities previously presented in table 1