natural hierarchies

Natural hierarchies are structures where elements are organized in levels of importance or authority, with each level governed by the one above it. Think of it like a family tree or an organizational chart: at the top, there’s a central authority or core element, and below are sub-elements that depend on or relate to it in a specific order. These hierarchies help us understand complex systems—like ecosystems, language, or societies—by showing how parts are interconnected and organized in a way that reflects their natural relationships and functions.