Phenotypes of vascular flow networks

TL;DR

This paper presents a mechanism for generating hierarchical, reticulate vascular networks based on spatially correlated load fluctuations, balancing efficiency, cost, and robustness, and explaining diverse venation phenotypes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel model linking load fluctuations to the development of hierarchical vascular networks, explaining phenotypic diversity in biological systems.

Findings

Networks are shaped by load fluctuation length scales.

Trade-offs between efficiency, cost, and robustness are characterized.

The model predicts phenotypic variations in venation patterns.

Abstract

Complex distribution networks are pervasive in biology. Examples include nutrient transport in the slime mold \emph{Physarum polycephalum} as well as mammalian and plant venation. Adaptive rules are believed to guide development of these networks and lead to a reticulate, hierarchically nested topology that is both efficient and resilient against perturbations. However, as of yet no mechanism is known that can generate such networks on all scales. We show how hierarchically organized reticulation can be constructed and maintained through spatially correlated load fluctuations on a particular length scale. We demonstrate that the network topologies generated represent a trade-off between optimizing transport efficiency, construction cost, and damage robustness and identify the Pareto-efficient front that evolution is expected to favor and select for. We show that the typical fluctuation length scale controls the position of the networks on the Pareto front and thus on the spectrum of venation phenotypes.