A key characteristic of the hierarchy of
natural systems is information flow.2
Regardless of the point at which it originates,
information spreads up and down
the components of the hierarchy. Information
flow has a domino effect as it affects
the whole system. The magnitude of the
problems that a disturbance at one level
may cause and its impact on the whole
hierarchy are clear in any study of the
overpopulation of the planet. The result of
overpopulation is depletion of natural
resources and chaos associated with too
many people living in disharmony.