Medea hypothesis

The Medea hypothesis is a term coined by paleontologist Peter Ward[1] for a hypothesis that contests the Gaian hypothesis and proposes that multicellular life, understood as a superorganism, may be self-destructive or suicidal. The metaphor refers to the mythological Medea (representing the Earth), who kills her own children (multicellular life).

In this view, microbial-triggered mass extinctions result in returns to the microbial-dominated state it has been for most of its history.[2][3][4]

  1. ^ Ward, Peter (2009). The Medea Hypothesis: Is life on Earth ultimately self-destructive?. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-13075-0.
  2. ^ "Gaia's evil twin: Is life its own worst enemy?". The New Scientist (cover story). Vol. 202, no. 2713. 17 June 2009. pp. 28–31.
  3. ^ Bennett, Drake (11 January 2009). "Dark green: A scientist argues that the natural world isn't benevolent and sustaining: It's bent on self-destruction". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 26 February 2010.
  4. ^ Grey, William (February 2010). "Gaia theory – reflections on life on Earth". Australian Review of Public Affairs. University of Sydney. Retrieved 26 February 2010.