As eyes turn to distant planets in search of traces of life, a study puts our planet back at the center of the game. Researchers say they have identified a fundamental rule that all terrestrial life forms seem to follow.
For several years, space missions have been trying to answer a fundamental question: are we alone in the universe? On Mars, intriguing rock formations analyzed by the Perseverance rover suggest that microbial life may have existed in the past. On Saturn's icy moon Titan, simulations suggest the possibility of an almost invisible life form, evolving in a subterranean ocean. Yet, while these worlds fascinate, a major scientific advance brings us back to our own planet.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution claims to have uncovered a universal rule that all life on Earth seems to obey. According to the researchers, this natural law applies in every region of the planet, regardless of the climate, environment, or species. Each ecosystem, however distant, follows the same pattern of organization. This discovery could transform our understanding of biological evolution, but also strengthen strategies for preserving biodiversity in the face of climate change.
Life on Earth is always organized around the same biological center
According to the team of scientists, all forms of life in a given region develop around a central core. This biological heart concentrates the optimal conditions for the survival, reproduction, and diversification of species. From there, life spreads gradually to outlying areas. This pattern is found in very different regions, whether tropical forests, deserts, or marine areas. The study highlights that these small central territories play a crucial role in the overall balance of each ecosystem. This rule could revolutionize conservation methods. By identifying the biologically central areas in each ecosystem, it would be possible to better target protection efforts. These small, often barely visible spaces are actually the pillars of local biodiversity. The study also confirms the idea that certain fundamental structures guide the expansion of life on Earth, regardless of its origin. Another step toward a more unified vision of life.
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