What evidence is there to support the Gaia theory?

Another line of evidence in support of the Gaian theory concerns carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere. To a substantial degree, the concentration of this gas is regulated by a complex of biological and physical processes by which carbon dioxide is emitted and absorbed.

What best describes the concept of Gaia introduced by James Lovelock?

The Gaia Hypothesis proposed by James Lovelock (1972) suggests that living organisms on the planet interact with their surrounding inorganic environment to form a synergetic and self-regulating system that created, and now maintains, the climate and biochemical conditions that make life on Earth possible.

What is the effect of biodiversity on Gaia planet?

Biodiversity may also improve the absorption and distribution of energy from the sun. It could be that more diverse communities on land and in the ocean are better at seeding clouds, possibly via the emission of more diverse cloud seeding chemicals, but this remains to be established.

How did the theory of Gaia come about?

The theory came about as a way of explaining why the Earth’s atmosphere contains high levels of nitrogen and oxygen. Initially, Gaia theory was ignored, and then later ridiculed by scientists such as Richard Dawkins and Stephen J Gould. However, in recent times stronger evidence for the theory has emerged and Gaia has started to gain support.

How is the Gaia hypothesis contrary to conventional wisdom?

For example, “When introduced, this [Gaia] hypothesis was contrary to conventional wisdom that life adapted to planetary conditions as it and they evolved in their separate ways. We now know that the hypothesis as originally stated was wrong because it is not life alone but the whole ES that does the regulating” (Lovelock, 2009, p. 166).

What causes Gaia to turn into positive feedback?

The multiplication of greenhouse gases may cause a turn of Gaia’s negative feedbacks into homeostatic positive feedback. According to Lovelock, this could bring an accelerated global warming and mass human mortality. [12] Daisyworld simulations Plots from a standard black & white DaisyWorld simulation.

How is the Gaia hypothesis similar to the thermostat?

The essential idea of the Gaia Hypothesis is analogous to the thermostat in your home, or the thermostat in your brain. You set the thermostat in your home to 65 °F in order to keep a comfortable living environment. When the temperature falls below this, the furnace is switched on.