Conceptual aspects of ecological studies: the role of the energy- and mass- exchange

Abstract

The stable existence of life on Earth is only possible under conditions of closed global biogeochemical cycles at the level (P+-P-)/P+=X ~ 10-4, where P+ and P- are fluxes of synthesis (+) and decomposition (-) of organic substances. An equality of P+ and P-, with an accuracy of the order of 10-4), may be reached due to high correlations between the communities that form local ecological systems of finite sizes. Small-scale fluctuations of P+ and P- in a local ecosystem guarantee the transfer of basic fluxes of energy and matter through the uncorrelated parts of microscopic sizes. The share of energy consumption by large organisms does not exceed 1%. The present-day consumption by men has reached about 10% of the primary production on land. This has led to breaking of the cycles of substances up to the level of a few per cent, which is verified by the data on global carbon cycle.