Trophic Cascades

The attached video explains Keystone species and Trophic Cascades. It is a fascinating testimony to the importance of biodiversity to ecological balance. Most importantly it exemplifies the premise that everything within a “defined universe” is connected with varying degrees of strength and influence. Conservationists are becoming much more in tune with these dynamics and retooling some very outdated myths and misconceptions. 

I enjoy the study of economics, particularly the writings of Ludwig Von Mises, Friedrich Hayek, and Milton Friedman. They have written works that I consider “pure genius”. And yet, I don't think there’s any example that teaches us about economics better than this short video about nature. 

In my article titled “Snake Oil” I spoke of balance, cause and effect. In this video titled “Trophic Cascades” the removal of “risk” (wolves) caused a species (deer) to unnaturally proliferate. Over time, the deer would have physically and mentally atrophied to a point of extinction. In that process, and in fairly short order, they would have destroyed most of that to which they were ecologically related.

I hear so much talk today about the greedy and evil 1-percenters. Granted, within this small group there are some “bad guys”, but in general they are law-abiding, generous, and play by the rules that our political system dictates. They typically have two overpowering allegiances: their stockholders and their employees (in varying order). Isn’t it funny how an executive responsible for 50,000 shareholders and 100,000 employees who makes $10 million in salary and bonuses is evil. No one ever criticizes the actor being paid $20 million for a movie, or the athletes with average performances getting 5-year, $60 million contracts. No one seems upset that Jay-Z makes hundreds of $millions on a product that most consider disgusting.

The Great American Wolf

Be careful about jumping on the bandwagon to “exterminate the wolves”. The effect thereof could be far more devastating than you could ever imagine, especially if you’re one of the the “deer”.   

Next time, we’ll be talking about money.… who has it and what they do with it.

As always, your comments are welcome.

Scott Sangalli