Emergence

Emergent properties, behavior and patterns, decentralized systems, complexity, order out of chaos.

Please read the wikipedia article on Emergence to get an idea of what this group is about.

The universe is complex. Random assortments of things, coupled with simple rules, can give rise to complex patterns that are sometimes counterintuitive, frequently beautiful, and almost always interesting.

Computers allow us to explore the emergent properties of mathematical constructs, for example the Mandelbrot set and the Game of Life.

Outside the world of Mathematics, emergent behavior is all-pervasive, yet it is frequently hard to identify. Think about the [lack of central] organization of an ant colony. Think about the flight formation of a flock of geese.
Can you show further examples? Can you help discuss how complex behavior and/or patterns arise from simpler rules?

Examples from real life will be most appreciated. Computer-generated imagery is relevant but should be used with extreme moderation, e.g. it wouldn't make sense to show here a gallery of Mandelbrot set zooms, beautiful as they may be.

Please note that pareidolia, our own perception of apparent patterns in randomness, is not the same as emergent behavior. It is also not about patterns that exist as a result of intelligent design - well, not even by stupid design. It should emerge from the properties of the components and their interactions.

This group is also not about emerging art, emerging technologies, or religious themes, nor is it about emergencies - no accident or Emergency Room photos please!

Membership: I'd like each member to contribute at least one relevant image or discussion point. If you'd like to join, please point me at the image (or discussion) you intend to contribute. Don't make me guess: "look at my gallery" isn't particularly helpful.

Please understand that "hi, can I please join?", "I'm intrigued by those pictures", or even "I'm interested in emergence" are not a meaningful description of why you want to join.

I understand that some people may prefer to just follow the discussions first. I would then appreciate getting an idea of what aspect of Emergence interests you. This is mostly to prevent misunderstandings on what the group is about. This group is about science, not pseudo-science, or "new science" as an euphemism for mysticism and obscurantism.