 computational models have been applied to the biological world with varying degrees of success. In order to better understand the applicability of these models, we must abandon the traditional dichotomy between form and function and instead adopt a more pragmatic approach. This approach recognizes that the boundaries between categories are often arbitrary and contingent upon human cognitive biases and technological limitations. By doing so, we can better understand the interconnectedness of living systems and their ability to polycompute the simultaneous computation of multiple functions within the same system. Polycomputing allows us to better understand the complexities of living systems and can also be used to manipulate them for medical robotic and computer engineering applications. This article was authored by Joshua Baumert and Michael Levin.