The predator-prey mathematical model shows a simplistic yet realistic relationship between two species. The predator needs to eat the prey for food and energy. The prey needs to evade the predator to stay alive. As one grows, the other shrinks in a constant rhythm. Yet, for both, the down slope is unpleasant. Here, the predator loses numbers through starvation while the prey gets eaten. And, nature has provided us with examples to show the reality of this cycle.
Humans have a tendency to follow this cycle as well. However humans have usurped the highest levels and are at the top of the predator heap. Only a few exceptions exist where we’ve permitted predators like bears to survive in a fragile co-existence. And, much as predicted by the mathematical model, without predation our numbers have been increasing.
This brings to concern the eventuality of the relationship. That is, predators eventually lose their numbers through starvation; a die-off. Of course, we are too smart to allow our numbers to grossly exceed the available supply of food/prey. We will identify and attain a reasonable quantity of people who can live on this planet given the food supply. Or will we?
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