Bogaard, Paul A.  "Whitehead and the Survival of 'Subordinate Societies'."  Process Studies 21, no. 4 (Winter 1994): 219-26.

Abstract

Given the debate led by Ivor Leclerc over the status of complex bodies in Whiteheadian metaphysics, this paper considers a range of possible compound substances.  It is shown that the status of constituent gauges our attempts to articulate metaphysical assumptions adequate to this range of complexity.  The highest order of complexity (leading to organic life) is marked by the ability of constituents to survive such that the complex whole can itself serve as constituent.  [Abstract from The Philosopher's Index]