Abstract: | Each part of a living organism contains a concealed totality which can eventually express itself partially or totally. The extent of the expression is spatially and temporally defined by the morphogenetic field and the environment. Neither the field nor the genome are evolving units. Evolution is produced by the boundary conditions and results in progressive losses, to which the organisms responds. Genetic losses can stabilize the new balance. A living system can be fruitfully compared to a semiotic system. |