Community is the Nature of this World
God created this interdependent, beautiful world in which every living creature and plant resides in a living community which provides everything that each species needs to thrive. And each species has a role to play in its life on earth. Just for instance, beetles are the trash collectors of this world and pollinate some plants.[1] As to human beings, each one is designated a purpose at their creation, which, hopefully, we will come to realize in this lifetime. Otherwise, we are not living out our purpose as God assigned it to us. If we could only see nature as the Native Americans and indigenous people across the world do, we would realize how very dependent we are on nature to supply our every need.
Unfortunately, in this world today, we are so self-concerned without a thought for any other creatures or plants. The corporations and corporate farms that stand between us and nature focus our attention on wanting the material things they produce so that we forget how essential it is that we take care of the Earth and its inhabitants.
For us to take care of our natural surroundings is to love God. Just to realize how invaluable they are to us is to be grateful to God for creating nature this way. Here are some examples of how some species help others to thrive:
- Bees—“Their vital role in pollination supports the growth of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, directly affecting our food supply.”
- Wolves—“As apex predators, they manage the population of herbivores, preventing overgrazing and promoting vegetation growth. This balance supports a wide array of species, maintaining biodiversity.”
- Elephants—“Elephants shape landscapes by uprooting trees and creating water holes, fostering diverse habitats. These intelligent giants are known for their deep social bonds and empathy, often mourning lost family members.”
- Dolphins—“These creatures often aid humans, historically serving as guides for fishermen and rescuers for swimmers in distress.”
- Bats—“Bats, often misunderstood, are nocturnal heroes vital to ecosystems. As pollinators and seed dispersers, they support plant diversity and regeneration, particularly in tropical and desert areas.”
- Sloths—“Their slow lifestyle supports an entire ecosystem of algae and insects that thrive in their fur, contributing to forest biodiversity. Sloths play a role in seed dispersal, as they travel through trees, aiding plant growth and forest regeneration.”
- Owls—“Owls, with their silent flight and wise gaze, are fascinating nocturnal predators. They control rodent populations, benefiting agriculture and reducing disease spread. Their exceptional hunting skills and keen senses make them effective night hunters.”
- Whales—“Whales, the gentle giants of the sea, are crucial to marine ecosystems. Their feeding habits circulate nutrients, supporting plankton growth and enhancing the ocean’s biological pump.”
- Tigers—“With their striking stripes, tigers are iconic symbols of power and beauty in this wild. As apex predators, they regulate prey populations, ensuring healthy forest ecosystems.”
- Penguins—“Penguins, with their endearing waddle and tuxedo attire, are resilient survivors of harsh climates. These flightless birds are integral to their ecosystems, as they transport nutrients from the ocean to land through their guano.”
- Butterflies—“Butterflies, with their delicate wings and vibrant colors, are vital pollinators in many ecosystems. Their presence indicates healthy environments, as they rely on specific plants for survival.”
- Eagles—“Eagles, with their commanding presence and keen eyesight, are symbols of freedom and strength. As apex predators, they maintain ecological balance by controlling prey populations”.
- Octopuses—“Octopuses, with their alien-like appearance and remarkable intelligence, intrigue scientists and nature enthusiasts. Known for their problem-solving skills and ability to camouflage, they navigate the ocean with dexterity. These cephalopods play a crucial role in marine food webs, preying on various species to maintain balance.”
- Kangaroos—“Kangaroos, with their iconic bounding strides, are emblematic of Australia’s unique wildlife. These marsupials play a vital role in their ecosystems, grazing on vegetation and promoting plant growth.”
- Pandas—“Pandas, with their striking black-and-white fur, are beloved symbols of wildlife conservation. These gentle giants play a crucial role in their habitats by spreading seeds and maintaining bamboo forests. Their dietary specialization highlights the intricate balance of ecosystems and the importance of preserving diverse plant life.”[2]
If you’d like to read more about how the Native Americans take care of the plants and animals that provide life for them, read Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass. She is a Native American and a biologist. In this age of Global Warming, we can see all the effects of this warming changing our planet through floods, fires, tornadoes, worse hurricanes and more. The disasters are becoming a way of life. I believe that Global Warming and the Covid epidemic are wake-up calls to us to remind us of the sheer importance of community in this world today. We did a good job of cooperating across the world on the Covid vaccine, but there seems to be little in the warming of this earth that is engendering the same kind of cooperation in getting rid of the fossil fuels that are so much the cause of this crisis.
It is we humans that are the problem in the Global Warming crises; we are affecting so many species as we continue to use fossil fuels that the World Wild Life website reveals the problem in their headline: “Catastrophic 73% decline in the average size of global wildlife populations in just 50 years reveals a ‘system in peril.’”[3] Apparently, we don’t care about our own species’ survival, much less all the other plants and animals that we depend on. When will we wake up to the reality? Don’t we care about the children today and what they are facing? Or future generations?
[1] https://bugpursuits.com/how-do-beetles-help-the-environment/
[2] https://exploringanimals.com/the-purpose-of-animals-reasons-why-we-need-them-on-earth/