01:447:390 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, Gaia Hypothesis, Superorganism
9 May 2017
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Document Summary
Earth is living organism , maintains conditions suitable for life. Organisms on earth have radically altered its composition. Earth"s biosphere acts as if it is a self-organizing system -> system kept in equilibrium. Biosphere consciously manipulating climate in order to make conditions more conductive of life. Organic and inorganic components of earth have evolved together -> single living , self regulating system. Luminosity of sun has increased by about 30% since life began on earth. Living system has reacted to maintain temp at levels suitable for life. Computer stimulations -> controversial: cloud formation over open ocean, phytoplantkton - microscopic algae in upper ocean water, some species synthesize dmsp dimethyl sulfanic propionate -> protect from freezing and high salinity. Earth is a microbial planet: microbes - most abundant organisms , bulk of biomass ; mediate most of chemical. Animals - make no contribution to susceptibility to life on earth transformations of matter.
