If we accept the idea that the biosphere functions, in some way, as a single living organism and we, almost certainly, must do so based on current evidence – then it should, logically speaking, have some sort of physiology.
That’s the idea that underpins Gaia’s Body and Tyler Volk goes on to suggest how we might develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the biosphere.
Why We Love Gaia’s Body
It might be easy to dismiss Tyler Volk’s concept as high fantasy if it weren’t so well-embedded in science.
This isn’t a speculative work, it’s one based on facts and observations of how the planet behaves today.
He looks at the main regions of the biosphere (its organs, if you will), the main substances that occur in the biosphere (the building blocks) and the chemical cycles that keep the system in balance.
Final Thoughts On Gaia’s Body
Tyler Volk says there’s too much “godess” and not enough “science” in Gaia Theory and Gaia’s Body helps to bridge the gap between the two.
We found it a fascinating read and it sparked plenty of conversation as to how this knowledge might be put to practical purposes.
You can grab a copy online here.
If you enjoyed Gaia’s Body, we can also recommend taking a look at The Molecular Biology of Gaia, Life as A Geologic Force and Gaia: A Way of Knowing.