Behavior of a Class of Complex Systems: the Effect of System Size on Properties of Terminal Cycles

Abstract

System size is an important variable in large, intricately structured systems. Such systems offer a greater scope of effect to size than do simpler types. Considering the potential usefulness of complex abstract systems as models of real-world systems, it becomes important 1) to determine the effect of size on behaviors of such systems, and 2) to seek procedures that indicate the effects of size indirectly. These two inquiries are undertaken in this paper for a basic class of complex system. An insensitivity of behavioral rhythm to change in system size, and a conjecture relating system size to system structure are examined.