How complex should the environments used in the implementations be?
The PI program seeks to develop an “open-ended” theory where systems spontaneously evolve to increasing levels of complexity. As a practical matter, a laboratory environment will likely be a system of finite complexity that will limit the ultimate complexity of the evolved system. As such, proposers should endeavor to create environments of sufficient complexity to support the evolution of at least a few qualitatively distinct generations. Q: May more than one type of “basic unit” or “seed” be used in the implementations? A: Yes. Q: May the “basic units” or “seeds” consist of libraries (e.g. catalytic libraries) that are selected and amplified as the system evolves/adapts? A: Yes. Q: May the implementations also include structures and interactions such as nanoparticles, nano/micro electromechanics, magnetics, and optics? A: Yes. Q: May the implementations be hybrids of chemistry, electronics and other physical components? A: Yes. Q: May the chemical implementations include physical com
