Xavier,

I think it's a misrepresentation to state that most evolutionary
theories say there is nothing to limit population growth. Ecosystems are
complex and their occupants co-evolve over long periods of time. Most
simplified equilibrium population models abstract that complexity into a
carrying capacity, beyond which things go poorly for the species of
interest. There is also a lower limit below which genetic diversity
takes a hit. Apex predators like sharks don't eat fish until they starve
to death - the low density of food means a low density of sharks which
limits shark reproduction. That's what goes in cycles. Thrive and crash
cycles are unusual in unperturbed ecosystems.

Rapa Nui and Tikopia are extreme examples of very small ecosystems with
invasive macro organisms: humans and pigs. While Tikopians found their
carrying capacity early, Rapa Nui people were not so fortunate.

-dave

On 07/09/2018 11:20 AM, Xavier VIlà wrote:
> And the answer, according to most evolutionary theories, is also simple:
>
>     "Nothing"

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