Question Detail
Question
Which of the statements sums up "emergence"? a. the whole is greater than the sum of the parts b. only life displays emergence c. the sum of the parts is greater than the whole d. only apparent when an organism is studied at the atomic level
Correct Answer
Option A is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Emergence is the concept that complex systems and patterns arise from the interaction of simpler parts, resulting in novel properties not predictable from the individual parts. The classic summary is 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.'
Hint
New properties appear at higher levels that you can't find at lower levels.