Living Systems

The fact of our constant movement, formation and transformation, and the reliance of sun, air, water, etc. in this process is indication of our presence within this system and classification as living.

That which is not living is not contingent upon environmental factors for sustenance, indeed does not require sustenance. Is it our reliance on our atmosphere that distinguishes us as alive? Living systems require constant exchange and engagement with those basic elements that support us. We seem to be slightly misguided in our identification as separate entities capable of thriving independently; rather we (living systems) are in constant relationship with every other living particle.

Divergence of species

I'll be honest: I don't fully understand the process of a species diverging or the development of a sub-species. In this particular instance isn't it possible that the introduction of a single random element could be the determining factor? I'm also curious about external influences such as environmental or geographical shifts. There's obviously a great deal more for me to consider here.