Which concept excludes human influence from ecological considerations?

The concept that excludes human influence from ecological considerations is best represented by the idea of abiotic factors. Abiotic factors refer to non-living physical and chemical elements in the environment, such as sunlight, temperature, water, and minerals. These factors are crucial for understanding ecosystems as they affect living organisms and their interactions. By focusing solely on these non-living components, abiotic factors inherently exclude human influences, which are associated with the biotic (living) aspects of ecosystems.

On the other hand, the Gaia hypothesis posits that Earth’s biological and inorganic components are closely integrated to maintain conditions for life, inherently acknowledging human impact within the broader Earth system. An eco-centric approach emphasizes the intrinsic value of all living beings, taking a holistic view that includes human influence but prioritizes ecosystems. In contrast, an anthropocentric view centers human interests and perspectives, directly contradicting the exclusion of human influence. Thus, focusing on abiotic factors is the most accurate representation of a framework that disregards human involvement in ecological considerations.