Degeneracy and long-range correlation: A simulation study

• Main Authors: Marmelat Vivien, Delignières Didier, Torre Kjerstin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2011-12-01
• Series: BIO Web of Conferences
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20110100020

We present in this paper a simulation study that aimed at evidencing a causal relationship between degeneracy and long-range correlations. Long-range correlations represent a very specific form of fluctuations that have been evidenced in the outcomes time series produced by a number of natural systems. Long-range correlations are supposed to sign the complexity, adaptability and flexibility of the system. Degeneracy is defined as the ability of elements that are structurally different to perform the same function, and is presented as a key feature for explaining the robustness of complex systems. We propose a model able to generate long-range correlated series, and including a parameter that account for degeneracy. Results show that a decrease in degeneracy tends to reduce the strength of long-range correlation in the series produced by the model.