Earth: one giant superorganism?

by Laura Clark

Disruptr | Wednesday, 15 July 2020

There’s no doubt that Earth is full of life, but could our planet be seen as one functioning organism?

There’s no doubt that Earth is full of life, but could our planet be seen as one functioning organism?

These components act as a functional unit, “creating the complex interdependencies of life on Earth.”

These components act as a functional unit, “creating the complex interdependencies of life on Earth.”

Laura Clark interviews Prof Bryan to discuss how the Gaia concept of Earth as a single functioning unit or giant superorganism can promote understanding of the importance of environmental protection. The immersive boundaries of interdependent ecosystems are comprised of millions of plant and animal species which coexist through food chains and water, nutrient and gas cycles. This crucial flow of energy from the sun is sustained through these ecological processes, however, human activity and lack of environmental care are threatening catastrophic disruption to the wellbeing of Earth’s species.


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