Lessons in Resilience: From Biological Systems to Human Food Systems

Liv Scott, Oberlin CollegeFollow

Location

King Building 343

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-28-2017 3:00 PM

End Date

4-28-2017 4:20 PM

Abstract

Nature’s lessons in resiliency can offer lessons for our food systems. Resilience is a crucial trait for our food systems as disturbances due to climate change and globalization become more frequent. With 3.6 billion years of evolution, biological forms are models of resilience. I will use literature review and critical analysis of resiliency and the network structure in three biological systems: microbial metabolism, mycelial structure and food webs. Through network theory and resilience thinking, I intend to identify structural traits common throughout these biological systems, which contribute to their resilience. In this research, I aim to both draw parallels in system design across biological systems to determine resilient network forms as well as apply these lessons to food systems in human communities.

Keywords:

resilience, biological systems, food systems

Notes

Session II, Panel 10 - Natural | Resilience
Moderator: Keith Tarvin, Chair and Professor of Biology

Major

Environmental Studies

Advisor(s)

Md Rumi Shammin, Environmental Studies

Project Mentor(s)

Md Rumi Shammin, Environmental Studies

April 2017

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Apr 28th, 3:00 PM Apr 28th, 4:20 PM

Lessons in Resilience: From Biological Systems to Human Food Systems

King Building 343

Nature’s lessons in resiliency can offer lessons for our food systems. Resilience is a crucial trait for our food systems as disturbances due to climate change and globalization become more frequent. With 3.6 billion years of evolution, biological forms are models of resilience. I will use literature review and critical analysis of resiliency and the network structure in three biological systems: microbial metabolism, mycelial structure and food webs. Through network theory and resilience thinking, I intend to identify structural traits common throughout these biological systems, which contribute to their resilience. In this research, I aim to both draw parallels in system design across biological systems to determine resilient network forms as well as apply these lessons to food systems in human communities.