Final answer:
The Gaia hypothesis is a biological concept suggesting that the biosphere functions like a living organism, maintaining balance for life. It intersects with psychology in the form of biophilia, indicating a human inclination toward nature that promotes psychological well-being. Homeostasis in the biosphere exemplifies the Gaia hypothesis in action, regulating elements such as carbon dioxide to support life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gaia hypothesis is a concept in biology, not psychology, that postulates the biosphere itself is akin to a living organism. This hypothesis, introduced by scientist James Lovelock, proposes that the Earth operates as a self-regulating entity with the capacity to maintain homeostasis, thus creating optimal conditions for life. For instance, when there is an increase in carbon dioxide levels, plants respond by accelerating their growth and subsequently absorbing more carbon dioxide, stabilizing the atmospheric composition without human intervention.
While the Gaia hypothesis is primarily a biological and ecological concept, it does intersect with psychological ideas. Specifically, E. O. Wilson's concept of biophilia suggests that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life, and that a biodiverse world promotes our psychological well-being. This can be related to humans' evolutionary adaptation to natural environments, and the idea that built environments may induce stress and negatively impact human health and well-being.