What is ecological balance?

Nature is wise, says the famous phrase, but that does not mean that it can do everything or that it is not vulnerable to attack or imbalance to a point of no return. However, there are theories that point in that direction. The ecological balanceWithout going any further, it has to do with that alleged wisdom of nature. It is an important concept that is studied within an approach to ecology as a branch of biology that addresses the interrelationships of living beings with each other and with their environment, so it is a multidisciplinary issue.

Chaos theory

Not surprisingly, the different parts of ecosystems interact dynamically, maintaining a status quo, that is, a certain biodiversity and conditions.

At the same time, we live in a world in constant transformation, in which some species will disappear, others will be transformed more or less quickly. But, even being the result of the interaction between the different factors of a certain habitat, this evolution is compatible with the existence of that supposed ecological balance, which would be essential for life.

The relationship between individuals and their environmentAccording to this paradigm, an ecological balance is maintained that is necessary for the life of all species, fauna and flora. According to the balance of nature theory, ecological systems tend to a stable equilibrium, which means that changes are corrected until that point of equilibrium is reached again, for example between organic elements, predators and prey or between herbivores and source. of food-, or as a result of inorganic factors, such as different elements of ecosystems or the atmosphere, let's say.

However, since the middle of the last century, that belief that nature has a tendency to balance has been replaced by a chaos theory, more realistic, since it is undeniable that although equilibrium is possible, and ecosystems can tend towards it, it is also true that chaotic changes are common and its consequences are devastating most of the time, without the aforementioned balance occurring.

Chaos occurs for a myriad of reasons, among others and very particularly for the terrible and systematic human intervention across the planet. In turn, on the other side of the coin, human action can help restore that lost balance, as occurs when green initiatives are carried out.

On the other hand, environmental regulations, green policies, as well as ecological projects give meaning to ecological balance as a synonym for protecting ecosystems and the environment.

Balance vs imbalance

Currently, it is common to understand the ecological balance as a desirable state that must characterize a certain natural environment in order to be considered healthy from preset environmental criteria.

Above all, it must be ensured that not invasive nor does it end up falling into a regressive state that deteriorates it, perhaps even making it disappear. Basically an ideal is pursued based on biological criteria to which others not so scientific are added.

The objective is to avoid changes that are detrimental by depleting the environmental capital that is considered valuable. Thus, when one speaks of ecological balance, the question is not always considered from a scientific point of view, much less objective, since not even science is in reality.

That balance, in turn, can be more or less compatible with the well-being and interests of the human being, starting from one or other assumptions that are ethical or the opposite, and suppose an attack against one or another species.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is ecological balance?, we recommend that you enter our category of Other ecology.

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