Gaia Theory
Gaia Theory, proposed by scientist James Lovelock, suggests that Earth and its biological systems behave like a single, self-regulating entity. It posits that living organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings (like air, water, and soil) to maintain conditions suitable for life. For example, plants produce oxygen, which animals need to breathe, while decomposers recycle nutrients. This interconnectedness helps balance the planet’s ecosystems and climate, promoting stability and supporting life. Ultimately, Gaia Theory emphasizes the complex relationships between living beings and their environment, highlighting the planet's capacity to sustain life over geological timescales.
Additional Insights
-
Gaia theory, proposed by scientist James Lovelock, suggests that Earth functions as a self-regulating system where living organisms interact with their mineral environment to maintain conditions suitable for life. This concept posits that ecosystems, the atmosphere, oceans, and geology work together to create a stable environment. For example, plants produce oxygen, which animals breathe, while carbon dioxide levels are regulated to sustain temperatures. In this view, the Earth is likened to a living organism, where life and the environment co-evolve to support each other, highlighting the interconnectedness of all biological and ecological processes.