Entropy and Equilibria in Competitive Systems

Abstract

This paper investigates the applicability of thermodynamic concepts and principles to competitive systems. We show that Tsallis entropies are suitable for the characterisation of systems with transitive competition when mutations deviate from Gibbs mutations. Different types of equilibria in competitive systems are considered and analysed. As competition rules become more and more intransitive, thermodynamic analogies are eroded, and the behaviour of the system can become complex. This work analyses the phenomenon of punctuated evolution in the context of the competitive risk/benefit dilemma.

Keywords

• non-conventional thermodynamics
• competitive systems
• Tsallis entropy
• equilibrium
• cycles
• complexity