Phase transitions in biology: from bird flocks to population dynamics. Issue 1961 (27th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heffern, Elleard F. W.; Huelskamp, Holly; Bahar, Sonya; Inglis, R. Fredrik
• Is Part Of: Proceedings. Volume 288:Issue 1961(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-27
• Subjects: population collapse -- criticality -- tipping point -- extinction -- microbial evolution; Biology -- Periodicals; 570.5
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-8452

Abstract

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.