Molecular Approach to Living Systems.

Living systems theory (LST) generates a large set of hypotheses that are thought to be applicable to the following eight levels of living systems: cell, organ, organism, group, organization, community, society, and supranational system. Many of the disciplines from which LST has derived its cross-level propositions are concerned not only with the properties of individual systems, but also with interactions between them. This paper focuses on linked systems and the linkages between them, rather than on individual systems. Intersystem relationships at various levels of living systems are examined for cross-level commonalities. The paper pays particular attention to dyads as the building blocks of quasi-living systems and higher-level living systems. Shared template elements, a common destiny, joint activity, and exchange of resources between and among systems are found to be common, cross-level factors in the bonding of systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]