 In this paper we discuss the Gaiahypothesis and the idea of sequential selection. Building on previous work using the Tangled Nature Model of co-evolution we elaborate on Gaia as an example of an entropic hierarchy. We argue that sequential selection together with a reservoir of diversity acting as a `memory' allows cumulative growth and improvement of the Gaian system over time. We discuss three ways diversity reservoirs are realised in practice : the microbial seed bank, climate refugia and lateral gene transfer and finally we simulate the effect of changing the reservoir size .
The Gaia hypothesis discusses how life interacts with the environment to create generally favourable conditions for itself. In this paper we discuss three mechanisms which could potentially lead to Gaia: Selection by Survival, Sequential Selection and Entropic Hierarchy. We use the Tangled Nature Model of co-evolution as a common framework for investigating all three, using an extended version of the standard model to elaborate on Gaia as an example of an entropic hierarchy. This idea, which combines sequential selection together with a reservoir of diversity that acts as a `memory' , implies a tendency towards growth and increasing resilience of the Gaian system over time. We then discuss how diversity reservoirs could be realised in practice via the microbial seed bank, climate refugia and lateral gene transfer and conclude by discussing testable implications of an entropic hierarchy for the study of Earth history and the search for life in the universe .
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The Gaia hypothesis discusses how life interacts with the environment to create generally favourable conditions for itself.
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the Gaiahypothesis and the idea of sequential selection. Building on previous work using
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as a common framework for investigating all three, using an extended version of the standard model to
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allows cumulative growth and improvement
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finally we simulate the effect of changing the reservoir size
conclude by discussing testable implications of an entropic hierarchy for the study of Earth history and the search for life in the universe