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Natural Evolutionary Adaptions

© Robin Greenhalgh

Nature enlists it's own natural processes to ensure balance and harmony within itself. Some examples of these measures would include interdependent relationships between species (ie.predator-prey), and internal mechanisms which help to clear our air and water (ie.trees and the carbon cycle, wetlands and water purification). As humans gain more insight into these inner workings, we begin to understand the complexity of nature.

Even something as seemingly inconsequential as a single toadstool has adapted over time, to ensure it's survival. It has been observed that certain species of fungi may literally "glow" or "light up" in the dead of night like a beacon. It doesn't mean that you should set watch by the light of the moon though. Only a select few of the species have this ability, and of the species that are harvested, any number of wrong conditions will inhibit this function.

What was important about this mention was that mother nature has safe guards which help to protect her future. This "glowing" function attracts species, which will ingest the fungi and disperse the fertilized spores along with their waste. Spores may also attach themselves to passing hosts (ie.flies), and will eventually fall off to grow in another location.

The biggest threat to this type of survival method, is man. Man needs to consider that the loss of one species can and does affect the future of others. Many times the idea of "nature" as a whole is not considered, only the species in question. Examples of this would be biological pest control which backfires and causes more harm due to lack of research, an introduced species which is in a position to thrive without any natural controls, stresses caused to one species because of the extinction of another and many other situations caused from ignorance and carelessness.

Some controls in nature are a little bewildering at first glance, like the survival technique of the blue-ringed octopus. These deadly males will attempt to mate with either sex. Talk about indiscriminate!!! It is believed that encounters between males are much shorter in duration and that there is not sperm transfer. It is also believed that "sex recognition" does not happen until the mating process has begun.

Ideas behind this technique range from their short life span and small populations, being the chief stresses to their species. It is believed that these strategies are utilized to ensure every possible reproductive opportunity. Stranger still is that these ocean creatures are believed to be one of the most intelligent sea dwellers (excluding marine mammals). Research has proven that this species is able to discern shapes, mazes and may even have the ability to remember past encounters. Funny how they are not able to distinguish between sexes until becoming intimate! Also impressive is their ability to compact themselves into very small sizes. They have been observed maneuvering as much as a foot long body into a hole that is only half-inch around.

The copyright of the article Natural Evolutionary Adaptions in Environmental Ethics is owned by Robin Greenhalgh. Permission to republish Natural Evolutionary Adaptions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.