Societies with fission–fusion dynamics as complex adaptive systems: the importance of scale

Abstract

In this article, we argue that social systems with fission–fusion (FF) dynamics are best characterized within a complex adaptive systems (CAS) framework. We discuss how different endogenous and exogenous factors drive scale-dependent network properties across temporal, spatial and social domains. Importantly, this view treats the dynamics themselves as objects of study, rather than variously defined notions of static ‘social groups’ that have hitherto dominated thinking in behavioural ecology. CAS approaches allow us to interrogate FF dynamics in taxa that do not conform to more traditional conceptualizations of sociality and encourage us to pose new types of questions regarding the sources of stability and change in social systems, distinguishing regular variations from those that would lead to system-level reorganization. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions’.

Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions

“…Three studies in this theme issue [52][53][54] focus on the influence of social interactions within a population on its interspecific interactions. The studies by Bronstein & Sridhar [52] and Madsen & de Silva [54] both review prior literature to build new conceptual frameworks. Specifically, Bronstein & Sridhar [52] (P5) develop a conceptual framework to understand how cooperation within social species affects their mutualistic interactions with other species.…”

“…Madsen & de Silva [ 54 ] (P7) discuss fission–fusion dynamics using the framework of complex adaptive systems (CAS). Fission–fusion dynamics describe flexible social structures where group composition and size change in response to environmental and social factors.…”

“…Interactions among organisms of the same population can influence how organisms of different species interact with each other in a community context. Three studies in this theme issue [52][53][54] focus on the influence of social interactions within a population on its interspecific interactions. The studies by Bronstein & Sridhar [52] and Madsen & de Silva [54] both review prior literature to build new conceptual frameworks.…”