On biological and non-biological networks

Abstract

With a general classification, there are two types of networks in the world: Biological and non-biological networks. We are unable to change the structure of biological networks. However, for networks such as social networks, technological networks and transportation networks, the architectures of non-biological networks are designed and can be changed by people. Networks can be classified as random networks, small-world networks and scale-free networks. However, we have problems with small-world networks and scale free networks. As some authors ask, “how small is a small-world network and how does it compare to other models?” Even the issue of scale-free networks are whether abundant or rare is still debated. Our main goal in this study is to investigate whether biological and non-biological networks have basic defining features. Especially if we can determine the properties of biological networks in a detailed way, then we may have the chance to design more robust and efficient non-biological networks. However, this research results shows that discussions on the properties of biological networks are not yet complete.