For more than a century students of the evolution of the living and nonliving parts of the earth have known that life influences the physical and chemical characteristic of the planet. The gaia hypothesis is an ecological hypothesis proposing that the biosphere and the physical components of the earth atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere are closely integrated to form a complex interacting system that maintains the climatic and biogeochemical conditions on earth in a preferred homeostasis. The optimal for life in the original gaia hypothesis is replaced by mutually enhanced stability of the physical and. First articulated by british atmospheric chemist james lovelock, the gaia hypothesis, succinctly, suggests that the earth is a selfregulating, selfsustaining entity, which continually adjusts its environment in order to support life. Gaia hypothesis 1 gaia hypothesis the study of planetary habitability is partly based upon extrapolation from knowledge of the earths conditions, as the earth is the only planet currently known to harbour life. Gaia hypothesis, model of the earth in which its living and nonliving parts are viewed as a complex interacting system that can be thought of as a single organism. The gaia hypothesis is controversial among scientists. A response to the gaia hypothesis a new book, the medea hypothesis, looks at the opposite of the gaia hypothesis and suggests that life on earth is selfdestructive. The gaia hypothesis by michael ruse gets to the heart of the question.
Underlying many of the issues pak examines in this study is the influence of the gaia hypothesis. A number of distinct hypotheses have been proposed, spanning a range from the self. Gaia hypothesis definition of gaia hypothesis by medical. This entity has closely controlled selfregulatory negative feedback loops. Gaia hypothesis definition of gaia hypothesis by the free. Read the full informative essay paper on summarize the gaia hypothesis in its strong and weak versions. The gaia hypothesis synonyms, the gaia hypothesis pronunciation, the gaia hypothesis translation, english dictionary definition of the gaia hypothesis. Chaves, theo javriel nad, lara napatotan, zennie sotes, katrina vallejo, mercy joy polstat. This describes the basics of the gaia hypothesis or theory. Beyond these generally accepted facts, the gaia hypothesis advances three central propositions. Ee llc helps companies, organizations and individuals achieve their sustainability goals and engage their innate human creativity to envision and implement sustainable ways of working and living. More evidence in support of the gaia hypothesis can be found within earths.
Gaia hypothesis article on the website environment and ecology. Its an ecologic hypothesis that examines relationships between biotic. Leading scientists bring the controversy over gaia up to date by exploring a broad range of recent thinking on gaia theory. The concept of gaia, a selfregulating earth, excites both admiration and obloquy. Gaia hypothesis article about gaia hypothesis by the free. Oct 25, 2015 this system as a whole called gaia seeks a physical and chemical environment optimal for contemporary life. The third is to outline new directions for gaia theory, in the hope that it can contribute to the further development of earth system science. More evidence in support of the gaia hypothesis can be. Gaia hypothesis synonyms, gaia hypothesis pronunciation, gaia hypothesis translation, english dictionary definition of gaia hypothesis. One of the major ecological philosophies to have risen in modern times is the gaia hypothesis, whose main proponent is dr. Gaia hypothesis an hypothesis developed by the british scientist, james lovelock, to suggest that the earth is one living system, such that the distinction between organic and inorganic matter is false. This video is a supplement to the book, ecological identity. The gaia hypothesis, also known as gaia theory or gaia principle, proposes that all organisms and their inorganic surroundings.
The main value of the gaia hypothesis lies in its holistic perspective, which is needed to avoid. Its inventor or rather rediscoverer describes the genesis and evolution of the hypothesis. Fact, theory, and wishful thinking 393 clarify and focus the gaia debate, which seemed to be at risk of becoming a shouting match between disciples and detractors. The scientifically accepted form of the hypothesis. The gaia hypothesis says that the temperature, oxidation state, acidity, and certain aspects of the rocks and waters are kept constant, and that this homeostasis is maintained by active feedback processes operated automatically and unconsciously by the biota. In fact, wider research proved the original hypothesis wrong, in the sense that it is not life alone but the whole earth system that does the regulating. James lovelock, in collaboration with another eminent scientist, the microbiologist lynn margulis, first explained the gaia hypothesis as such. Gaia hypothesis has since been supported by a number of scientific experiments20 and provided a number of useful predictions,21 and hence is properly referred to as the gaia theory. In the gaia hypothesis, philosopher michael ruse, with his characteristic clarity and wit, uses gaia and its history, its supporters and detractors, to illuminate the nature of science itself.
Summarize the gaia hypothesis in its strong and weak. Though, as pak notes, the gaia hypothesis did not begin to shape terraforming sf until the 1970s, the idea that humans are a part of an interdependent, living system pervades nearly all of the terraforming narrative tradition. I pointed out that the singular term, the gaia hypothesis, was being applied to many different propositions, ranging from. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The gaia hypothesis and earth system science the following is an excerpt from scientists on gaia by stephen schneider and penelope boston mit press. James lovelock, gaia theory, and the rejection of factvalue dualism.
Gaia hypothesis the gaia hypothesis is an ecological hypothesis proposing that the biosphere and the physical components of the earth atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere are closely integrated to form a complex interacting system that maintains the climatic and biogeochemical conditions on earth in a preferred homeostasis. The gaia hypothesis central theme is that biological processes homeostatically maintain, on a planetary scale, geochemical and climatic conditions favorable for life. Pdf james lovelock, gaia theory, and the rejection of. Gaia emerged in the 1960s, a decade when authority was questioned and status and dignity stood for nothing, but its story is much older. This 30 minute video was produced by the lewis research center as part of their nasa at work series.
The theory you asked about is known as the gaia hypothesis. Professor lynn margulis of boston university speaks before an audience of nasa employees in 1984 to explain the gaia hypothesis. Gaia hypothesis simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Gaia available for download and read online in other formats. Gaia hypothesis definition of gaia hypothesis by the. Life, or the biosphere, regulates or maintains the climate and the atmospheric composition at an optimum for itself. If you need an original informative essay written from scratch, place your order at. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext. Organisms can greatly affect their environments, and the feedback coupling between organisms and their environments can shape the evolution of both. To license this film and get a higher quality version for broadcastfilm purposes, contact av geeks llc. The gaia hypothesis, named after the ancient greek goddess of earth, posits that earth and its biological systems behave as a huge single entity. The gaia hypothesis article about the gaia hypothesis by.
Jan 28, 2007 james lovelocks theory that the earth is a living, interrelated organism. This is a formal, scientific hypothesis proposal asserting that the earth basically behaves as though it is a single, living organism with the sole functionpurpose of maintaining our planet and its life in a steady state, with. Rush hits all the high notes in this youtube playlist starting with earthshine, and we also examine the formal scientific conception called the gaia hypothesis. The gaia hypothesis definition of the gaia hypothesis by. Gaia contains elements of fact, theory, and wishful thinking.
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