Trophic-Detrital Interactions: Vestiges of Ecosystem Evolution

Abstract

Ecology reduces life to predation, and evolution makes environment an arena, because 19th century evolutionists mistakenly interpreted the internal environment of a dissipative structure to be an equilibrium. Ecological theory beset by the notion that resources are taken away from someone or something else focuses on the capacity dimension of bioenergetics. The intensity dimension of bioenergetics is the oxidation-reduction potential existing between the 2 ends of aerobic metabolism. This voltage was created and then stabilized by the coevolution of biogeochemical cycles and bioenergetic mechanisms in prokaryotes during the Precambrian. Darwin observed the subsequent extension of life over the surface of the earth by the evolution of eukaryotes in which bioenergetic intensity was intrinsic. Thus, the conception of evolution from which modern ecology sprang has not led immediately to a full appreciation of ecosystem structure and function. The maintenance of bioenergetic intensity of prokaryotic metabolism remains an important factor constraining ecosystem energy flows, material cycles and fitness and evolution.