Microreview of some non-solid state two-dimensional models

Presented are some models developed by physicists to describe dynamics of two-dimensional (2D) systems. Using these models we introduce certain notions which are now also widely used outside the original domain of applications. The models include percolation, cellular automata, exemplified by the Langton's ant. In the latter the interaction between the dynamical system and the underlying geometric structure is shown. Finally, two examples are given of a physicists' view of biological evolution. The first one is the Bak and Sneppen model and connected with it the notion of self-criticality. The second one is a model of a population in a changing environment with a possibility of colonizing a new habitat. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.