Optimality in Biological Networks

We are interested in understanding what kind of evolutionary pressures dictate the form of animal and plant transport networks.

Why are loops so common in vascular networks? Is hierarchy necessary? How can a network optimally compromise competing requirements? Does nature really care?

  • H. Ronellenfitsch and E. Katifori. “Phenotypes of Fluctuating Flow: Development of Distribution Networks in Biology and Trade-offs between Efficiency, Cost, and Resilience”. arXiv:1707.03074
  • Ronellenfitsch H., Liesch J., Jensen K. H., N. Holbrook M., Schulz A., and Katifori E., “Scaling of phloem structure and optimality of photoassimilate transport in conifer needles”, Proc Royal Soc B, (2015)
  • Katifori E., Szöllősi G. J. and Magnasco M. O., “Damage and fluctuations induce loops in optimal transport networks” , Phys Rev Lett (cover image) 104, 048704 (2010)

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