A question of scale

TL;DR

This paper explores the concept of collective behaviour across different scales, from social groups to atomic phenomena, highlighting the universality and diversity of collective dynamics.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of collective phenomena across biological, social, and physical systems, emphasizing the importance of scale in understanding collective behaviour.

Findings

Collective behaviour manifests across diverse systems and scales.

Synchronization phenomena are common in both living organisms and non-living systems.

Scale plays a crucial role in the dynamics of collective phenomena.

Abstract

If you search for 'collective behaviour' with your web browser most of the texts popping up will be about group activities of humans, including riots, fashion and mass panic. Nevertheless, collective behaviour is also considered to be an important aspect of observed phenomena in atoms and molecules, for example, during spontaneous magnetization. In your web search, you might also find articles on collectively migrating bacteria, insects or birds; or phenomena where groups of organisms or non- living objects synchronize their signals or motion (think of fireflies flashing in unison or people clapping in phase during rhythmic applause).