A Definition Schema For Life Level And Some Associated Models

We present a mathematical definition schema for measuring life level that is to give options to describe how much a (generalized) organism is alive. It is just a definition schema, not a definition. To make it a real definition configuration is required by applications.

We devote a long section to various examples where we demonstrate how a ready made definition can work and what ways it can provide reasonable values for life levels.

In the second part of the paper we outline many possible ways how one can partially derive life-level values from some simpler principles using probabilistic approach and various other methods. All of those models are still going to stay on a general level however they will suggest some more specific methods.

From technical point of view, we also present various kinds of operations which produce new life level functions, life level systems from already existing ones, and also highlight connections among systems / functions. Some operations also extend the usability of the original life level function, others add nice (expectable) features. We also examine the properties of such operations and the relations among them. Then we apply those techniques for some biologically meaningful extensions / restrictions of life level functions and systems.

We also deal with various averages on already defined life level functions and see how they can be applied, and we also investigate metrics (biological distance functions) that are synchronized with a life level function.

We also build a basic theory about measuring the vitality of sub-organisms regarding a containing (generalized) organism, and we identify some links between this notion and the life level concept.

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.02.551611v1

Astrobiology