MA: Well to put a finer edge on it - reproductive dysfunction.
James, we mammals have evolved a behavioral and physiological response to any population crisis.
When a mammalian population becomes dangerously dense, there is a reversal of behavior. Co-operation is replaced by competition, dominance and aggression.
If this sound familiar to you - it should. Also in these times of population stress you will find infanticide and gross neglect.
The resulting stress and violence also impairs both the immune and the reproductive systems.
James that is why epidemics often complete the crash of the population.
In some mammal species, crisis and crisis response recur regularly, leading to cycles of population growth and relapse, oscillating about a fixed mean.
Here you can think almost any wildlife species - deer and coyotes are very much in the news now because of exactly these factors.
J: Is it true for humans as well??
MA: Well, in man successive advances in food production have made possible geometrically growing populations, and unlike animals, we can choose to check population growth by reducing the birth-rate, instead of raising the death-rate, as in other mammals.
However, even with a flood of abortions, China's single child policy, Europe's low birth rate and other measures we are still on a very sharp curve.
No we are very much in the same stew as our more furry friends.
MA: You got it. So just to bring us full circle and give us a chance to freshen our drinks - when I speak of perceptions of reality this is a prime example.
It is imperative that you be able to look back on the patterns that we know are factual and make reasonable projections or observations about our future.
J: While MA went to get us another round of drinks, I could feel the sugar rush fading away and just a hint of the Turkey Comma thing coming on. It was now dark outside and the fire was roaring hot. It is terribly frustrating for her to be able to explain all that in such a concise and reasoned manor while I spent weeks writing a bunch of dribble that is - honestly - a bit embarrassing at this point.
I understand what she is saying - how could you not. But I need more from her. She is not being as open as she once was with me about this.
I think I know why.