The series of life-functions is characterized by the phenomena of complexification, layering, and complex governance.. 

The life-functions constitute a spectrum ranging from simple to complex.  The sequence is evolutionary: “higher” functions emerge, over time, from lesser ones.  Each episode of emergence involves a greater attenuation from primal vitality.  In short, the evolution of the life-functions is simultaneously complexifying and entropic.  Each life-function transforms its predecessor into a new mode with more moving parts but less intrinsic energy.  Thus the development of the life-functions is both a falling-apart and a building-up.  From this vantage, the entire ball of wax was implicit within the originary process of reproduction.  Periodic instances of elaboration/complexification eventually produce the entire spectrum of life-functions.  Each appearance of a new life-functions is an e-volution of enfolded potential within the predecessor function.  In sum, both complexity and entropy – respectively, the “magician” and the “villain” of physical law – reflect the episodic expansion of a compactified primordial substrate. 

The evolutionary process results in an architecture of the life-functions as a series of layers.  The structure of evolving being is not homogeneous but accretional or modular.  Higher functions do not abolish or absorb lesser ones, but simply overlay them.  The appearance of a new function does generate a cascade of alterations in the operational identities of predecessor functions, but only by means of the relation of all functions to the whole.   That is, the total energy of the system is now divided between n+1 layers rather than n.  Accompanying such diminution of proportional value are various qualitative transformations in predecessor functions.  As T.S. Eliot described the relation between a new work of art and the pre-existent artistic tradition:

[W]hat happens when a new work of art is created is something that happens simultaneously to all the works of art which preceded it.  The existing monuments form an ideal order among themselves, which is modified by the introduction of the new (the really new) work of art among them.  The existing order is complete before the new work arrives; for order to persist after the supervention of novelty, the whole existing order must be, if ever so slightly, altered; and so the relations, proportions, values of each work of art toward the whole are readjusted; and this is conformity between the old and the new.  ("Tradition and the Individual Talent")

Eliot’s sense of the imperative “for order to persist” reflects that his schema – like that of the life-functions – is conceptualized as organic or alive.  A radically new life-function, if simply soldered on to the exterior of existent life, would threaten the survival of both the new function and the pre-existent entity.  The otherwise revolutionary, life-threatening aspect of a new life-function is neutralized by the modulation of existing functions so as to make room for the newcome.

The layered structure gives rise to a complex and fluid system of governance.  The respective authority of low and high is a matter of continual adjustment and negotiation.  In short, the higher functions are far-seeing but attenuated from reality, while the lesser functions are purely instinctive but – for that very reason – survival-enhancing.  The hierarchical architecture is subject to both upward and downward causation.  Higher functions are more “world-facing,” able to perceive more factors, and thus to act in the long-term interest of the organism.  Accordingly, the higher functions have a partial ability to seize the reins of lesser functions.  Meanwhile, however, lesser functions continue to operate semi-autonomously within their zones of competence.  Charged with preserving life, lesser functions operate routinely without supervision and, on occasion, against the directives from higher up.  The lesser systems are the hedgehogs to the higher function’s fox: the lesser know the “one big thing” of preserving life within the moment, hour or day, in contrast to the “many things” of higher analysis.  Thus the system involves a variety of functions operating simultaneously, in potentially contradictory ways.  The uppermost life-function purports to govern the whole, but its mastery is a tottering pinnacle atop a pyramid of more substantial lesser functions.