In this web content, the author discusses the complex relationships between living species and the consequences of intervening in those relationships. They highlight a story from Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species” that demonstrates how seemingly unrelated animals, such as cats and bumblebees, are actually connected through a chain of ecological relationships. The author also shares the story of the introduction of cochineal dye by the Spanish, which led to the spread of prickly pears in Australia. They discuss the attempts to control the prickly pear population and the unexpected consequences that arose, such as the introduction of the Cactoblastis moth to other regions. They also mention the Great Leap Forward movement in China, where actions taken to combat pests had devastating effects. Overall, the content highlights the interconnectedness of living species and the unforeseen outcomes of human interventions.
https://longreads.com/2021/03/23/nation-of-plants-excerpt-stefano-mancuso/