Journal Article
Hypogean communities as cybernetic systems: Implications for the evolution of cave biotas
Romero, A.
Record Number:
4957
Year:
2020
Journal:
Diversity
Volume:
12(11), 413
URL:
www.mdpi.com/journal/diversity
Abstract:
Abstract: Ramón Margalef proposed in 1968 that ecosystems could be better understood if they
were viewed as cybernetic systems. I tested this hypothesis in the case of hypogean ecosystems
using available pieces of evidence. I looked on how information on feedbacks, stability, succession,
organization, diversity, and energy flows in the hypogean environment fit the cybernetics hypothesis.
The results were that there are convincing arguments that the application of the concept of cybernetics
in biospeleology can be beneficial to broadening our understanding of cave biota in terms of their
structure. I also make the case that this approach can provide more clarity about how cave biota has
evolved through time and the implications for their conservation.
Keywords: cybernetics; ecology; cave biology; biospeleology
Times Cited:
0