IS EARTH A LIVING SYSTEM?

A synthesis outlining the properties common to living systems across the broadest scales of size and rate is given below. All living systems are materially and energetically open, coupling the processes of complexification and decomplexification in the production, maintenance and perpetuation of their structure, function, and dynamic pattern of organization. Living systems are holarchically organized, displaying a high degree of functional self-governance of each organizational level alongside obligate interdependence between different levels. With respect to material fluxes, Earth is effectively a closed system and is therefore not alive. The Gaia system (GS) is energetically and materially open, utilizing solar and terrestrial energy sources to continuously perpetuate its own dynamic pattern of organization. Fully interdependent functioning of the tectosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere constitute the GS, permitting continuous complexification and decomplexification of geological materials and their derivative products, including Life. GS physiology requires fluid water for biogeochemical cycling and to construct bounding membranes along the dorsal and ventral surfaces (the atmosphere and asthenosphere respectively). GS exhibits emergent phenomena including homeostasis, homeorhesis, persistence, surprise, resilience, durability and demonstrated capacity for evolutionary change. The conclusion that GS is an authentic living system brings to closure fundamental dissensions around the conventional Gaia hypothesis and has important implications for ecological, planetary and sustainability sciences