Systems
Modularity
The degree to which a system's components can be separated and recombined—high internal cohesion within modules and weak connections between them.
Biological Context
Proteins have modular domains that can be mixed and matched. Gene regulatory networks are modular, allowing evolution to modify one function without disrupting others. Modular organization enables evolvability by reducing the pleiotropy of mutations.
Business Application
Modular organizations can reconfigure business units without disrupting others. High modularity enables adaptation; low modularity creates fragility.