Parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models: from counterintuitive patterns to eco-evolutionary interpretations of cryptic species
Abstract Background Superposition, i.e. the ability of a particle (electron, photon) to occur in different states or positions simultaneously, is a hallmark in the subatomic world of quantum mechanics. Although counterintuitive at first sight, the quantum world has potential to inform macro-systems...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Ecology and Evolution |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-024-02206-5 |
| _version_ | 1797276099569254400 |
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| author | David G. Angeler Hannah B. Fried-Petersen |
| author_facet | David G. Angeler Hannah B. Fried-Petersen |
| author_sort | David G. Angeler |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Superposition, i.e. the ability of a particle (electron, photon) to occur in different states or positions simultaneously, is a hallmark in the subatomic world of quantum mechanics. Although counterintuitive at first sight, the quantum world has potential to inform macro-systems of people and nature. Using time series and spatial analysis of bird, phytoplankton and benthic invertebrate communities, this paper shows that superposition can occur analogously in redundancy analysis (RDA) frequently used by ecologists. Results We show that within individual ecosystems single species can be associated simultaneously with different orthogonal axes in RDA models, which suggests that they operate in more than one niche spaces. We discuss this counterintuitive result in relation to the statistical and mathematical features of RDA and the recognized limitations with current traditional species concepts based on vegetative morphology. Conclusion We suggest that such “quantum weirdness” in the models is reconcilable with classical ecosystems logic when the focus of research shifts from morphological species to cryptic species that consist of genetically and ecologically differentiated subpopulations. We support our argument with theoretical discussions of eco-evolutionary interpretations that should become testable once suitable data are available. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-07T15:23:30Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-09e972c74a804d589d042c3eea423d51 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2730-7182 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-07T15:23:30Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Ecology and Evolution |
| spelling | doaj.art-09e972c74a804d589d042c3eea423d512024-03-05T17:25:56ZengBMCBMC Ecology and Evolution2730-71822024-01-0124111010.1186/s12862-024-02206-5Parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models: from counterintuitive patterns to eco-evolutionary interpretations of cryptic speciesDavid G. Angeler0Hannah B. Fried-Petersen1Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural SciencesDepartment of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural SciencesAbstract Background Superposition, i.e. the ability of a particle (electron, photon) to occur in different states or positions simultaneously, is a hallmark in the subatomic world of quantum mechanics. Although counterintuitive at first sight, the quantum world has potential to inform macro-systems of people and nature. Using time series and spatial analysis of bird, phytoplankton and benthic invertebrate communities, this paper shows that superposition can occur analogously in redundancy analysis (RDA) frequently used by ecologists. Results We show that within individual ecosystems single species can be associated simultaneously with different orthogonal axes in RDA models, which suggests that they operate in more than one niche spaces. We discuss this counterintuitive result in relation to the statistical and mathematical features of RDA and the recognized limitations with current traditional species concepts based on vegetative morphology. Conclusion We suggest that such “quantum weirdness” in the models is reconcilable with classical ecosystems logic when the focus of research shifts from morphological species to cryptic species that consist of genetically and ecologically differentiated subpopulations. We support our argument with theoretical discussions of eco-evolutionary interpretations that should become testable once suitable data are available.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-024-02206-5Quantum mechanicsSuperpositionRedundancy analysisEvolutionSyngensResilience |
| spellingShingle | David G. Angeler Hannah B. Fried-Petersen Parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models: from counterintuitive patterns to eco-evolutionary interpretations of cryptic species BMC Ecology and Evolution Quantum mechanics Superposition Redundancy analysis Evolution Syngens Resilience |
| title | Parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models: from counterintuitive patterns to eco-evolutionary interpretations of cryptic species |
| title_full | Parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models: from counterintuitive patterns to eco-evolutionary interpretations of cryptic species |
| title_fullStr | Parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models: from counterintuitive patterns to eco-evolutionary interpretations of cryptic species |
| title_full_unstemmed | Parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models: from counterintuitive patterns to eco-evolutionary interpretations of cryptic species |
| title_short | Parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models: from counterintuitive patterns to eco-evolutionary interpretations of cryptic species |
| title_sort | parallels of quantum superposition in ecological models from counterintuitive patterns to eco evolutionary interpretations of cryptic species |
| topic | Quantum mechanics Superposition Redundancy analysis Evolution Syngens Resilience |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-024-02206-5 |
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