Entropy and Life: Visualizing the Balance

Graph 1: Entropy of a Living System vs. Its Environment

This graph shows how living systems maintain internal order (low entropy) while increasing environmental entropy. The blue line represents the living system's entropy, which decreases during growth, is maintained during adulthood, and increases after death. The red line shows the universe's ever-increasing entropy, with a slight acceleration as the living system exports disorder.

Graph 2: Energy Flow & Resistance to Entropic Collapse

This graph demonstrates how energy input sustains complexity against entropic collapse. The orange line represents energy flow, which increases during growth and is maintained in adulthood. The blue line shows system complexity, which grows with energy input, is maintained through continuous energy expenditure, and rapidly collapses when energy flow ceases.