These systems exhibit the self-similarity of fractals , but in a statistical rather than an exact way. Trajectories differ, some show this divergence in state space from nominally similar inputs, others show convergence to an attractor. Sudden swaps between attractors become possible as the system parameters approach the boundaries of the attractors. Evolution thus is expected to operate in steps rather than gradually, with the wild swings in coevolutionary balance often associated with perturbations to ecosystems being seen. The steady state models of conventional science are rather different.
New configurations become possible due to part creation, destruction or modification.
This relates to changes to the structure of state space, which must be regarded as dynamic , not static and does not conserve world lines as in conventional science, here they may bifurcate and merge over time. Thus the system can be regarded as redesigning itself over time, as far as proves necessary to maintain or change function within its operating context. These internally generated system changes are missing from most scientific viewpoints, which assume instructional changes. The meaning of the system's interface with the environment is not initially specified and this must evolve. The overall system function is thus not initially known, but is created by coevolutionary methods.