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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Published on: March 31, 2023
Emergent patterns in space and time from daisyworld: a simple evolving coupled biosphere-climate model.
Graeme J Ackland1, A Jamie Wood
1School of Physics and SUPA, University of Edinburgh, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ, UK. gjackland@ed.ac.uk
Summary
This study models coupled planetary geosphere-biosphere systems, revealing an evolutionary arms race between species impacting a shared environmental variable. This leads to a fragile, high-life-support balance vulnerable to disruption and extinction.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
Background:
- Planetary systems involve complex interactions between geosphere and biosphere.
- Understanding co-evolutionary dynamics is crucial for predicting planetary habitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model a simplified coupled planetary geosphere-biosphere system.
- To investigate the evolutionary dynamics of competing species influencing a shared environmental variable.
Main Methods:
- Development of a simplified model with two evolving species.
- Simulation of species interaction through a single environmental parameter.
- Analysis of evolutionary arms race dynamics.
Main Results:
- The model demonstrates an evolutionary arms race where species evolve extreme behaviors.
- A stable, yet fragile, planetary balance supporting maximum life is achieved.
- The system exhibits susceptibility to large fluctuations and extinction events.
Conclusions:
- Co-evolutionary arms races can create seemingly stable but vulnerable planetary states.
- Even minor species differences can drive extreme evolutionary outcomes.
- The 'neutral' theory is not applicable to coupled evolving systems.
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