Emergence of self-similar tree network organization

The self-similar tree topology in open dissipative systems is formed as a result of self-organization and found in various examples, such as river networks, blood vessels, vascular organizations in plants, and even lightning. It is generally assumed that the tree organization is a result of a dynamic process that minimizes the dissipation of energy. Here, we argue that inherent randomness is a sufficient condition for the generation of tree patterns under evolutionary dynamics and the decrease of energy expenditure is not the cause but a consequent signature. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.