O - Week 10 - Biology

Lesson: Ecosystems and Deep Ecology

Eight-point Deep Ecology Platform

Ecosystems

End goals of social ecology

The Eight Point Deep Ecology Platform seems like a strict set of laws to abide by, but it very closely reminds me of the ritualistic routine in maintaining a perfect aquarium. One cannot have too many plants or too little plants, as it will affect the ecosystem of the tank. There must be a proper set of technology that is both beneficial to the filtration of the water and output of CO2. Overpopulating the tank with fish, bottom dwellers, or fellow algae-eaters will only wreak havoc for the life forms. And all things, including the substrate soil/sand are major components that are necessary for maintaining the foundation of the tank. There must be a perfect balance of all or all will crumble.

Just like an aquarium, ecosystems are both strong and fragile because every element of an ecosystem is connected with another. With the proper settings, an ecosystem may completely thrive and flourish with life. On the flip side, an ecosystem may easily fall apart and deteriorate because of an imbalance of forces. The smallest of plants are connected with the largest portion of the ecosystem, and vice versa.

The end goals within social ecology calls as a subjective ideology to whomever the individual is being assessed. One may have certain values and ideas of "wellbeing and health" compared to another. Though no matter how diverse a population's end goals may be, we all desire to be recognized through meaningful connection and acknowledged as our true selves- whatever your end goal may be!