What is an organism? An immunological answer

Area of Science:

• Biology
• Philosophy of Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• The definition of an organism has shifted from 'What is an organism?' to 'What is a biological individual?'
• Previous claims suggested only evolutionary theory could define biological individuality.
• Physiology was considered unable to provide a theoretical basis for individuation.

Observation:

• Biological individuation is dependent on theoretical frameworks.
• The field of immunology possesses a theoretical framework relevant to biological individuation.
• Immunology provides a physiological basis for defining biological individuals.

Findings:

• Immunology offers a distinct theory for biological individuation.
• This immunological theory grounds individuation on physiological principles.
• The study integrates evolutionary and immunological approaches to define biological individuals.

Implications:

• Provides a new physiological answer to the question of organism individuation.
• Challenges the exclusive reliance on evolutionary theory for defining biological individuals.
• Offers a more comprehensive understanding of biological individuality by merging distinct theoretical perspectives.