Gaia Theory

What Is the Gaia Theory?

The Gaia hypothesis, also known as the Gaia theory/ Gaia Principle, proposes that organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings on Earth to form a synergistic self-regulating, complex system that helps maintain and perpetuate the conditions for life on the planet.

Figure 1. A simple Hypothesis.

Lovelock's Initial Hypothesis...

James Lovelock had defined Gaia as the follows;

"a complex entity involving the Earth's Biosphere atmosphere, Oceans and soils; the totality constituting a feedback or cybernetic system which seeks an optimal physical and chemical environment for life on this planet."

Lovelock suggested that life on Earth provides a cybernetic, homeostatic feedback system operated automatically and unconsciously by the biota, leading to broad stabilization of the global temperature and chemical composition.

lovelock claimed the existence of a global control system of the surface temperature, atmosphere composition and ocean salinity. He defended his claims with these points below;

• "The global surface temperature of the earth has remained constant, despite an increase in the energy provided by the sun"

• "Atmospheric composition remains constant, even though it should be unstable"

• Ocean Salinity is constant

 Gaia in Ecology?

Ecologists generally consider the biosphere as an ecosystem and the Gaia hypothesis, through a simplification of the of that original proposed, to be consistent with a modern vision of a global ecology, relaying the concepts of the biosphere and biodiversity.

Figure 2. More Info on Gaia Theory.