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Originally Posted by (Samildanach) death doesn't have to be for all if the environment is big enough to support an unlimited number of biological units. eg space. <hr size="1" /></blockquote><span class='postcolor'>
Sam, the environment is
not big enough to support an unlimited number of biological units! The first lesson in any economics or environmental course is that resources are scarce and finite.
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Originally Posted by (Samildanach) If you look at micro-environments such as island environments which are in effect isolated 'mini-natures' they get along quite happily with just death between predators and prey as a pastime. <hr size="1" /></blockquote><span class='postcolor'>
No they don't! Even the smallest island has a vast array of death, predators, and prey: termites that feed of decaying trees. Birds that visit to eat seeds from trees. Crabs and other sea animals that live on the beach and shore who eat one another. The fish who live near the shore who feed off one another... the list goes on.
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Originally Posted by (Samildanach) As for nature being a malicious untamed force standing in the way of human progress.....for a lot of our history thats exactly what it was and to some extent continues to be. I accept there is no esential guiding force behind nature that is malicious but its essential effect on our culture has been a selection pressure to avoid getting caught in the negative extremes thus forcing us to progress as a race to the point where we are now. Look at your car or house if you want an example. <hr size="1" /></blockquote><span class='postcolor'>
What are you talking about!? The notion that nature is just an obstacle of human progress demonstrates a total lack of knowledge on the issue. What do you think we have used to acquire the house and car? the Environment! Stop thinking of the environement as something that is seperate from us. We are a part of it and everything that humans have gained has been taken from the natural world.
What is your point for godssakes??!
It is difficult to discuss this issue with you when the facts that you produce are flat out incorrect. I think that we need to alter this debate by introducing evidence, because neither of us will understand the other's argument otherwise.