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Published on Visualizing Ecology (http://www2.evergreen.edu/visecowinter)

Mitch Gines

"The principle of organization, claimed an obscurewriter in 1910, demonstrates that "the economy of nature" is no idle phrase, but contains a clue to the central animating drive in all beings: to produce, to manufacture, to consume. Nature is nothing more nor less than an economic system." -Worster, 291

 

Interesting how the ways of nature can be so simplified into one or two sentences. While there are so many varieties of species on this planet, the rules of survival apply neatly to every one of them. While animals are seen more as the "Consumers" of this planet, it should be recognized that plants "consume" by the self-sustaining method of photosynthesis. It makes me wonder... should we be somewhat envious of this plant's abilities, or just outright thankful that we're not at the bottom ladder of the twisted food chain? Then again, that's more of an emotional-based question that genuine curiosity.

In any case, simple as it may be, it is also because we're dealing with so many species that this gets a little more complicated than the simplicity implies. Some animals end up having to be careful as to what they consume, because what may seem like easy prey just might have a sneaky defense on their hand. Or, maybe that creature they "thought" was prey was actually the predator all along, alluring it with a tactic even more devious. And then there are the species that are either omnivores, ore multi-consuming carnivores, that throw a little something interesting in the mix by posing a threat to other species' suppl lies of food. How interesting that humanity just happens to be one of those web-complicating species. But then, snakes just also happen to be one of those rule-breaking animals as well. It is usually sensible that animals generally eat animals smaller than them, and if we go by those rules, the snake would just be another common bully feeding off of the weaker species. But that isn't so. There are some species out there slithering around, consuming giant mammals that would normally overpower a typical smaller species. If anything, the case of snakes alone is sufficient evidence that the ways of the food chain are easily broken. Oh, and let's not forget that Cane Toad species from the film that consumed the crap outta the rodents. Sure, the rodents happen to be smaller, but is that REALLY their designated prey? Then again, I am little wary about the authenticity of that video, but it does make you wonder about the effects of introducing other animals to different natural environments...

In any case, the ecosystem is not only complex, but also a bit wacky. And I suppose it's not only in the food chain. Yet still, here are scientists, trying to reduce the connections of life into something simple and mechanical. While it's not necessarily the simplest subject in the world, it is oddly interesting to view nature as "mechanical". It seems to have its own set system, and if the system were to be messed around, it could either throw things out of whack, or more miraculously, improve the system altogether. So then, does this means that bringing about the extinction of the dinosaurs was an overall positive? More recently, how about the dodos?

Yup, random thoughts are going on, but then again, you tend to get a good variety of thoughts when there is just so much to consider...

‹ shaun libman [0]

Source URL:
http://www2.evergreen.edu/visecowinter/visecowinter/mitch-gines-3