The lifeforce of complex adaptive systems comes from their ability to adapt.

Being alive, and self-repairing, is what makes them resilient.

But it's possible for a previously complex adaptive system to lose its ability to adapt.

The process of increasing efficiency requires creating structure, but that structure is ossification that reduces the ability to adapt.

A common pattern is a successful individual complex adaptive system becomes more efficient until it turns itself to stone and cannot change when surrounding conditions require it.