We have a lot to learn from nature! life is a collective work with networks of interdependent species, genes and cellular assembly. Work in the disciplines of biology and evolution teaches us how life is a construction conditioned by the balance between these functions. A striking example is provided by this publication showing how a mutualistic interaction between an ant and a plant governs interactions between lions and their prey. The invasion of Kenya by an ant originally present in Mauritius, results in a cascade of events reducing the attack on plains zebras by lions. These ants have destroyed a mutualistic link between the ant present in these areas and the whistling thorn tree, which makes the latter vulnerable to elephants, which results in a change in the landscape. As a result, the lions have had to change their habits, no longer being able to easily feed on zebras, which will be compensated by buffaloes….a tiny insect disrupts an entire ecosystem.
Like most organisms, our body is not made up of just our cells. Without stomach bacteria, a cow would not be herbivorous, and we would not be able to digest our food. On the genetic level, we have incorporated genes that come from elsewhere. Thus, our mitochondria, the real energy (and ATP) factory, were once autonomous bacteria capable of converting oxygen into energy. One of them infected a cell with the consequence of integration into the host organism which has fortunately lasted for a long time. At least 8% of our genome comes from sequences that belonged to viruses. So on, examples abound to illustrate how everything is a network and how evolution is a matter of networks, nothing in the biological world is capable of reproducing alone!
Another example comes from the Australian monitor lizard and sheep. A voracious fly develops on animal carcasses and attacks sheep, laying eggs in their wool near a wound. maggots colonize the flesh and secrete ammonia which poisons the animal. As is often the case, politicians have a bright idea – import foxes to rid classic roosts of green flies. Lack of knowledge, we forget that this fox is also a predator and is responsible for the death of 30% of lambs. but here too long live biodiversity. Indeed, an endogenous monitor lizard does a good job of clearing away carcasses and therefore the sites in which flies proliferate. Conclusion, increasing the number of monitor lizards by creating favorable conditions for their reproduction is a more effective solution than importing foxes.
The conclusion is an additional lesson that our policies should integrate: biodiversity issues are not just a matter of luxury and crazy ideas from retarded sores. Finally, for those who want to see a magnificent illustration of the beauty of nature, I invite you to look on this link at birds whose beauty equals the most beautiful paintings of our painters!
Photo : justbirding.com
