monopulation

Monopulation refers to a hypothetical or speculative scenario in which a single, dominant species—often human—exerts overwhelming control over an ecosystem, leading to the near or complete exclusion of other species. The term blends "monopoly" and "population," emphasizing the idea that one species monopolizes resources, habitats, and ecological niches to the detriment of biodiversity.

This concept is frequently discussed in the context of environmental science, conservation biology, and futurism. Human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, deforestation, and pollution have significantly reduced biodiversity, creating conditions where certain species thrive while others face extinction. Critics argue that such dominance disrupts ecological balance, leading to cascading effects like ecosystem collapse or reduced resilience to environmental changes.

Monopulation is not limited to humans; it can theoretically apply to any species that achieves near-total ecological dominance. In some cases, invasive species introduced to new environments have outcompeted native flora and fauna, demonstrating how monopopulation dynamics can emerge outside human influence. However, human-driven monopopulation is particularly concerning due to the scale and speed of modern industrialization.

The implications of monopopulation are debated among scientists and policymakers. Some argue that reducing human impact through sustainable practices could mitigate these effects, while others warn that irreversible damage may already be underway. The term also appears in speculative fiction and dystopian scenarios, where it symbolizes ecological and societal collapse due to unchecked dominance.

While monopopulation is not a formal scientific term, it serves as a useful framework for discussing the consequences of biodiversity loss and the ethical responsibilities of dominant species in maintaining ecological health.