RUReadyND - Career Profile

Ecologist

There are many ways to compare the Earth as a whole and a single body in an attempt to explain the Gaia theory. Here are five options:

The different "parts" of our bodies are all interrelated. If we have sick or diseased parts, the whole body is affected.
For instance, if you break the biggest bone in your leg, you won't be able to walk anywhere until it begins to heal. Likewise, the extinction of one species may lead to the extinction of a species that preyed on it.
Both the Earth and our bodies are constantly fighting for homeostasis -- otherwise known as perfect balance.
For example, if you're too hot, you'll sweat, and if you're too cold, you'll shiver.
If we neglect our bodies, we will weaken. If we neglect the environment, we weaken the Earth.
For example, if we drank a poison we could die, just as a habitat can be ruined by a toxic spill.
The Earth is a living organism like our bodies. Like us, the Earth can thrive or sicken or die.
For example, some environments around the world are doing well, while others are in crisis.
With care, feeding and support, our bodies, like the Earth, can be healthy and whole.
For example, getting a cast and crutches for your broken leg will help you walk, just as restoring damaged environments can improve animal habitats.