SIG Chair: John Kineman

john.kineman@colorado.edu

Since 1999 the What is Life/Living SIG has explored many aspects of the question “What is Life” from intrinsic and extrinsic perspectives. In keeping with the theme of the 53rd Annual Meeting, the WILL SIG invites papers regarding the relationship between complexity, ecosystems, and sustainability.

We would especially like to explore the question “what is an ecosystem?” in the context of defining life. What distinguishes an ecosystem from an organism? From a physical system? Related questions are:

• What is meant by sustainability? How is it defined?
• Are ecosystems “alive” or do they just contain life?
• What is the best way to comprehend the living aspect of ecosystems?
• Are ecosystems complex? If so, how?
• Within this theme there are many more related questions. A boad focus will be applied in selecting papers, however they should be aimed at elucidating the internal nature of life (preferably ecosystems).

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