A Zoological Hypothesis

If I were a zoologist, then I'd like to pursue this hypothesis: If given an ecological system with ample prey, but not predators, predators will quickly and naturally evolve.

Actually, I suspect this is not a new hypothesis at all, but merely a variation of the theory that predators evolve to serve critical roles such as population control and "weeding" (reducing the number of weak/sickly prey). The only difference is my hypothesis asserts that predators are a critical part of not just ecological systems, but everything that evolbes (e.g. sociological as well, of course). The role they serve is so basic and fundamental to evolution itself, that predators will always evolve anywhere "prey" is to be found.

And, an extension of my hypothesis would go on to assert that as prey evolves the ability to resist predators, so predators will evolve in step to overcome all resistance...

Oh, wait! That's already a proven theory, isn't it? (Ever heard of a "superbug"?) But, if it's already proven, then why do the police in our society insist that their job is so important? It seems to me (and all stats and studies confirm) that the more we resist crime, the more crime we get. Not only that, but conversely, the less we resist crime, the less crime we get (given enough time for the "predators" to diminish naturally).

This is what happens in nature as well; so as soon as we stop thinking of ourselves as "divinely created" for some "divine purpose", and realize that we are as much a part and product of nature as any other species on this planet, then we'll stop resisting where nature is trying to take us. And maybe we'll "hear" what She is trying to teach us: That She's the one in control, not us; and She knows more about what She's doing than we ever will.

[J.D. Feb. 23, 2016]