Requirements for immortal alife to exterminate mortal alife in one finite, heterogeneous ecosystem

Abstract

We have proposed a theoretical hypothesis called the Programmed Self-Decomposition (PSD) model [1, 2]. The PSD model assumes that a self-decomposition mechanism isprogrammed in each cell of all living organisms on earth, and that thismechanism contributes to the substantial and spatial restoration of the ecosystem. In this article, we would like to introduce the overview of the hypothesis and report on computer simulations in which both a mortal virtual life form based on the PSD model and an immortal virtual life form start their lives in the same finite, heterogeneous ecosystem. Results of the simulations suggest that the mortal life forms would not be exterminated in almost all cases, contrary to ordinary expectations. It seems that the effectiveness of “death” cannot be denied.