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.