On the Functional Biospheric Role of Living and Biogenic Matter: The Fourth Biogeochemical Principle

Abstract

V.I. Vernadsky (1863‒1945) formulated three biogeochemical principles. These principles were set forth, e.g., in his monograph ‟The Chemical Structure of the Biosphere of the Earth and Its Environment” (the first biogeochemical principle was given in Paragraph 95 of that his monograph, the second biogeochemical principle, in Paragraph 198, and the third biogeochemical principle, in Paragraph 208). In addition to those fundamental principles, the author attempted formulating an additional, fourth (4th) principle, consistent with Vernadsky’s ideas on the important role of organisms in modification of the chemical parameters of the biosphere. The new principle highlights additional aspects of the vital role of living organisms in conditioning the geochemical environment. The fourth principle emphasizes a regulatory role of organisms in abiogenic migration of chemical elements in the biosphere.