Biodiversity: Maintenance, Function, Origin, and Self-Organisation into Life-Support Systems

Species are not functionally independent, and only an ecosystem with a fully integrated nutrient cycle is alive. The variability of abiotic conditions creates niches and subniches for genotypes and species, and life maintains its essential variables as stable as possible due to the diversity of structures. This book supports the conclusions that genotype and species diversity is supported by trophic specialization, biodiversity helps to stabilize the functions of individuals, populations, and ecological communities, the emergence of biodiversity is determined by heritable variation and the advantage of specialized structures over non-specialized ones, and biodiversity is characterized by its ability to increase itself and organize itself into production pyramids and nutrient cycles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 239 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Species are not functionally independent, as they rely on each other for survival and ecological balance. From a long-term perspective, only an ecosystem with a fully integrated nutrient cycle can be considered truly alive. The lack of trophic autonomy, where species are not self-sufficient in their food sources, is a crucial factor in ensuring and maintaining biodiversity. The variability of abiotic conditions, both in space and in time, creates a vast array of niches and subniches for genotypes and species to thrive. Additionally, life maintains its essential variables, such as biomass and productivity, as stable as possible due to the diversity of structures present within it. These structures include genes, macromolecules, metabolic pathways, genotypes, species, and more. The fact that the structures that reach optimal conditions are multiplied and activated while those that have lost their optima are suppressed highlights the importance of diversity in maintaining the functioning of life.

The conclusions drawn from the facts and concepts presented in this monograph are significant. Firstly, they support the idea that genotype and species diversity is supported by trophic specialisation. Trophic specialisation refers to the tendency of species to specialise in their feeding habits and interactions with other organisms in the ecosystem. By specialising, species can adapt to specific environmental conditions and maximise their efficiency in capturing and utilising nutrients. This leads to increased productivity and stability within the ecosystem.

Secondly, biodiversity helps to stabilise the functions (essential variables) of individuals, populations, and ecological communities. The diversity of species within an ecosystem provides a buffer against environmental fluctuations and disturbances. Different species have different life cycles, behaviours, and adaptations, which can help to balance the impacts of environmental stressors and maintain the overall health of the ecosystem. For example, some species may be more resistant to disease, while others may be better at scavenging or pollinating. By having a diverse array of species, the ecosystem can better withstand and recover from environmental challenges.

Thirdly, in evolution, the emergence of biodiversity is determined by heritable variation and the advantage of specialised (more effective) structures over non-specialised ones. The process of natural selection leads to the evolution of species that are better adapted to their environment. These adaptations may involve changes in their physical characteristics, behaviour, or physiology, which enable them to compete more effectively for resources and survive in challenging conditions. The greater the diversity of species within an ecosystem, the greater the potential for the emergence of new and innovative adaptations, leading to further evolution and diversification.

Finally, biodiversity is characterised by its ability to increase itself and to organise itself into relatively consistent structures, which we call production pyramids and nutrient cycles. Production pyramids refer to the hierarchical structure of an ecosystem, where primary producers (such as plants) at the bottom of the pyramid feed on secondary producers (such as herbivores) and tertiary producers (such as carnivores) at the top. Nutrient cycles refer to the movement of nutrients and energy through the ecosystem, from producers to consumers and back to producers. By having a diverse array of species, the ecosystem can maintain a stable balance of nutrients and energy, which is essential for the survival and productivity of all organisms within it.

In conclusion, the diversity of life is of such a nature because it is supported by troph
1. Species are not functionally independent, as they rely on each other for survival and ecological balance.
2. From a long-term perspective, only an ecosystem with a fully integrated nutrient cycle can be considered truly alive.
3. The lack of trophic autonomy, where species are not self-sufficient in their food sources, is a crucial factor in ensuring and maintaining biodiversity.
4. The variability of abiotic conditions, both in space and in time, creates a vast array of niches and subniches for genotypes and species to thrive.
5. Additionally, life maintains its essential variables, such as biomass and productivity, as stable as possible due to the diversity of structures present within it.
6. These structures include genes, macromolecules, metabolic pathways, genotypes, species, and more.
7. The fact that the structures that reach optimal conditions are multiplied and activated while those that have lost their optima are suppressed highlights the importance of diversity in maintaining the functioning of life.
8. The conclusions drawn from the facts and concepts presented in this monograph are significant.
9. Firstly, they support the idea that genotype and species diversity is supported by troph.
10. Trophic specialisation refers to the tendency.
11. Secondly, biodiversity helps to stabilise the functions (essential variables) of individuals, populations, and ecological communities.
12. The diversity of species within an ecosystem provides a buffer against environmental fluctuations and disturbances.
13. Different species have different life cycles.
14. By having a diverse array of species, the ecosystem can better withstand and recover from environmental challenges.
15. For example, some species may be more resistant to disease, while others may be better at scavenging or pollinating.
16. By having a diverse array of species, the ecosystem can better withstand and recover from environmental challenges.
17. Thirdly, in evolution, the emergence of biodiversity is determined by heritable variation and the advantage of specialised (more effective) structures over non-specialised ones.
18. The process of natural selection leads to the evolution of species that are better adapted to their environment.
19. These adaptations may involve changes in their physical characteristics, behaviour, or physiology.
20. By having a diverse array of species, the ecosystem can maintain a stable balance of nutrients and energy, which is essential for the survival and productivity of all organisms within it.
21. Finally, biodiversity is characterised by its ability to increase itself and to organise itself into relatively consistent structures, which we call production pyramids and nutrient cycles.
22. Production pyramids refer to the hierarchical structure of an ecosystem, where primary producers (such as plants) at the bottom of the pyramid feed on secondary producers (such as herbivores) and tertiary producers (such as carnivores) at the top.
23. Nutrient cycles refer to the movement of nutrients and energy through the ecosystem, from producers to consumers and back to producers.
24. By having a diverse array of species, the ecosystem can maintain a stable balance of nutrients and energy, which is essential for the survival and productivity of all organisms within it.

Weight: 553g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031115813
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022