An organic matrix in a biological ecosystem ecosystem is when part of the complexity of the environment is structurally the result of living organisms. The thesis in this blog is that a similar commercial matrix will enhance the diversity of lucrespecies.

A matrix as used in this context is a supporting or interweaving mechanism. A physical matrix in an ecosystem can be a variety of things, but in the simplest terms it is added complexity in the physical environment that allows more species to find ways to survive than would be able to survive without that complexity. A simple example is that a rocky shoreline and intertidal zone has a much greater diversity of species than a sandy beach and intertidal zone. The reason is in part because a rocky shore has more things to hang onto and more places to hide.

An organic matrix in an ecosystem is a living or once-living physical structure that adds physical complexity and because it is a living structure, it can interact with the other organisms in the system, adding further levels of potential habitat niches in the environment. In a previous blog, I mentioned examples such as coral reefs (coral and calcareous algae structures), forests (trees) and kelp forests (Kelp stands).

If mimics of coral reefs (artifical reefs) are added to an otherwise simple environment the diversity of species in the area increases. The level of diversity never approaches that of the coral reef because it lacks the living interactions. Over time, many of these artificial reefs host corals and sponges. As this happens, an organic matrix is developing and this further enhances the species diversity.

Here is a chart that describes the forest cover for the world.

via chartsbin.com
A very useful website at chartsbin.com

A quick survey indicates that the optimum forest cover for wealthy nations is between 20% and 35%. Most poor countries — for one of at least three reasons (deforestation, desert or mountain environments) have less or more than this range of forest cover. Too much natural cover or ground that is hostile to agriculture (desert or mountains) is not a good thing for an econome.

Harkening back to the picture of a forest, removal only of trees from a forest, severely reduces the diversity. The removal of what similar aspect of an economic system can quickly reduce the diversity? The built environment of homes, factories, roads and bridges, communication lines, and airports. Just as when you remove only the trees and don’t kill anything else, the simple destruction of infrastructure and distribution and communication systems in a economic system rapidly reduces the number of corporations and lucrespecies (individuals and species in an ecosystem) that can survive.

This implies that the development of built infrastructure, distribution and communication systems enhances lucrespecies diversity and corporate numbers. Once built the infrastructure allows for interactions and both the filling of new niches by pre-existing entrepreneurs in the short term (ecological parallel) and the development of new economic niches over the very long term (evolution) if the econome is stable for a long enough period.

Maximum diversity in economes is predicted to be present when there is a high level of built infrastructure including buildings for homes, factories, roads and bridges, airports, and communication links both wired and wireless. To support this built infrastructure, the natural and physical environment must have suitable agricultural land or import potential, and a minimum forest cover of about 20% and a maximum of about 35%.