 |
 |
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" ######################################################################## To unsubscribe from the SIMSOC list, click the following link: https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?SUBED1=SIMSOC&A=1