Nature’s Allostasis and its Tipping Points
This article adopts the view that Nature is intent on maintaining normal
functions. Within a given range of anomalies, it can do so through
adaptations that minimize the potential disruptive impacts of the
various anomalies. Maintaining function through adaptation is referred
to as Nature’s allostasis [6-7]. In contrast to homeostasis in which
there is a preset single optimal mode of function, allostasis allows for
multiple functional modes within a biological system.
Life requires energy, as does Nature’s adaptations to altered
circumstances. Three levels of energy can be envisioned [8]. The
lowest level is for survival. Next is the energy required for
specializations, which are the unique characteristics of various
individual components that collectively sustain ordinary functions. The
third level is the added energy for allostatic adaptations in response
to changed circumstances, such as trauma, environmental changes, toxic
chemicals, invasive species, etc. Accordingly, anomalies in Nature can
persist because there is insufficient energy for corrective allosteric
adjustments.
The limits of self-corrective allostatic adaptations are embodied within
the term “tipping points” [9]. From being rare occurrences,
failures of ecosystems are becoming more common leading to the
extinction of certain species, progressing climate changes, soil
erosion, depletion of food nutrients, pollution of major waterways, etc.