Final answer:
Self-organization refers to the emergence of patterns due to the complex interplay of elements within a system, often without any central control(option 1).
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of self-organization describes a process where patterns emerge naturally due to complex interactions between elements within a system--option 1 of the provided list is correct. This phenomenon can be observed in various fields, such as physics and biology. Self-organization is apparent in non-equilibrium phenomena such as heat transfer, phase changes, and in the way iron atoms organize into magnetic domains upon cooling. It is also evident in biological systems, where life originated in the primordial oceans through complex self-organization of molecules despite the randomness of their initial state. This underlying ability for a system to organize itself has led to the evolution of life and the development of complex adaptive systems.