The Theory of Mutual Dependence or Symbiosis
An Attempt to Understand Population Dynamics

It has been noticed, in recent years, that many species live in a state of mutual need with some other species called symbiosis, in fact this has become a subject of such interest that there is to be an international conferance on the subject this fall ('96) in Maine. An example of this state of being would be the mutual dependence of animals and plants on each other in that plants breathe carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, while animals do the reverse. I would like to suggest that predation should be considered a variation on this theme.

The suggestion to be made here is that all species, upon discovering themselves in a new land become dependent upon it by adapting to it. The most obvious way is by eating it. This act alters the environment and the eater. The state of equilibrium that had existed, no longer does, so a new state of equilibrium must be sought out and established. If not, the end result must be destruction.

It should be realized that all species rely on their predators to keep their numbers in check and that, should their predator fail for some reason overpopulation and the threat of extinction, will arise.

Humans are no different. Our predators are germs and viruses, which we are at pains to exterminate. The result of the success we have had in this endeavor is the current state of over population we are now experiencing and the possibility of extinction that looms over our heads because of it. If overpopulation leads, as it may well, to thermonuclear war, we may well exterminate ourselves along with a goodly number of other species.

The steps in the process of adaptation follow:

1. A species emigrates to a new territory.

2. The species identifies a food source and is identified as a food source.

3. The species begins to propagate at a rate sufficient to overcome predation.

4. Natural selection favors those who propagate more.

5. The species grows to levels needed to reduce the population of the food source.

6. If possible, the species will emigrate again, or identify another food source.

7. Natural selection favors food source members that propagate more.

8. The food source begins to shrink.

9. Natural selection favors those of the immigrant species that propagate less.

10. The immigrant species falls below the level needed to reduce the population of the food source.

11. The food source begins to expand.

12. The species begins to grow in synchronicity with the food source.

13. Equilibrium achieved.

14. All species grow to the maximum supportable by the environment.

This sequence of events could be observed, especially in places like the Galapagos Islands, if an experiment were set up. Past studies, like the mouse study, are about something different. The effects of overcrowding.

See the Reindeer on St. Matthew Island experience.

Humans must also follow this scheme, unless, understanding it, they choose to manage their way out of it. That is, it is conceivable that humans could see the goal of the process and aid in the effort to reach equilibrium, this is probably politically impossible though. We must now conclude that we have arrived at step 8, the food depletion stage, since that is what we find in the oceans. Humans will be capable of postponing the decline, but since developing new food sources just speeds up the propagation rate, the cycle will eventually manifest itself. The system is designed to work towards equilibrium, and we won't be able to stop that from happening.

So, the bottom line is that human overpopulation is also normal and will lead to perfection eventually (except in the case of nuclear war, though if that possibility arises it must be interpreted as the judgement of nature that we aren't a useful species). Our part therefore, as always, should be to watch the process, but interfering will not stay it and will produce more pain than allowing nature to take its course. As always, when one understands the process, one represses the tendency to act, since understanding means perceiving perfection.