balance of nature

American  

noun

1. population equilibrium among organisms and their environments resulting from continuous interaction and interdependency.

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balance of nature British  

noun

1. the stable state in which natural communities of animals and plants exist, maintained by adaptation, competition, and other interactions between members of the communit ies and their nonliving environment

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balance of nature Cultural  

1. A concept in ecology that describes natural systems as being in a state of equilibrium, in which disturbing one element disturbs the entire system. The inference is usually drawn that the natural state of any system is the preferred state and that it is best to leave it undisturbed. Modern ecologists no longer believe that a balance of nature exists.

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Etymology

Origin of balance of nature

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The fate of monkeys is, in essence, a reflection of our commitment to preserving the delicate balance of nature, and by safeguarding them, we secure a brighter, more harmonious future for all living beings.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2023

To assume that humans in any way can effectively control the balance of nature is an exercise in futility.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2023

We are in the midst of the Sixth Great Extinction, the balance of nature has been disturbed, and the suffering of humans and other animals has increased.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2020

Conservationists think the arrival of much greater numbers of humans could also increase hunting, further disrupting the delicate balance of nature here.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2013

When the El Nino rains changed the balance of nature and birds were scarce, he dined on mammals and iguanas.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George