Open System (glossary)
Revision as of 15:18, 19 September 2011 by Smenck2 (talk | contribs) (Protected "open system " ([edit=sysop] (indefinite) [move=sysop] (indefinite)))
A system which exchanges inputs and outputs with its environment
Source(s)
von Bertalanffy, L. 1968. General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. Revised ed. New York, NY: Braziller.
Discussion
Open system theory considers an organism as a complex entity composed of many parts with an overall integrity, co-existing in an environment. In an open system the organisms structure is maintained, or adapts, through a continual exchange of energy and information with its environment.