CAS (Complex Adaptive Systems)

Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) are networks of interconnected, evolving elements—like ecosystems, economies, or social communities—that adapt and change in response to their environment. They are characterized by diverse components that interact locally, leading to unexpected, emergent behaviors at the system level. These systems are dynamic, self-organizing, and capable of learning from experience, which allows them to adapt to changing conditions without central control. Understanding CAS helps us better grasp how complex phenomena develop and how small changes can have significant, often unpredictable impacts on the overall system.