Chaisson, Eric2018-01-242010Chaisson, E. J. 2010. “Energy Rate Density as a Complexity Metric and Evolutionary Driver.” Complexity 16 (3) (May 17): 27–40. doi:10.1002/cplx.20323.1076-2787http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:34729598The proposition that complexity generally increases with evolution seems indisputable. Both developmental and generational changes often display a rise in the number and diversity of properties describing a wide spectrum of ordered systems, whether physical, biological, or cultural. This article explores a quantitative metric that can help to explain the emergence and evolution of galaxies, stars, planets, and life throughout the history of the Universe. Energy rate density is a single, measurable, and unambiguous quantity uniformly characterizing Nature's many varied complex systems, potentially dictating their natural selection on vast spatial and temporal scales.en-USenergycomplexityevolutionthermodynamicsuniverseJournal Article2015-03-23Eric Chaisson10.1002/cplx.20323