The Malthusian–Darwinian dynamic and the trajectory of civilization

Authors

Jeffrey C. Nekola, University of New Mexico - Main CampusFollow
Craig D. Allen, U.S. Geological SurveyFollow
James H. Brown, Santa Fe Institute
Joseph R. Burger, University of New Mexico - Main Campus
Ana D. Davidson, Stony Brook University
Trevor S. Fristoe, University of New Mexico - Main Campus
Marcus J. Hamilton, University of New Mexico - Main Campus
Sean T. Hammond, University of New Mexico - Main Campus
Astrid Kodric-Brown, University of New Mexico - Main Campus
Norman Mercado-Silva, University of Arizona
Jordan G. Okie, Arizona State University at the Tempe Campus

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2013

Citation

Published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution (2013) 28(3): 127-130.

Abstract

Two interacting forces influence all populations: the Malthusian dynamic of exponential growth until resource limits are reached, and the Darwinian dynamic of innovation and adaptation to circumvent these limits through biological and/or cultural evolution. The specific manifestations of these forces in modern human society provide an important context for determining how humans can establish a sustainable relationship with the finite Earth.