Extinction is a natural selection process. Should humans strive to preserve a representative sample of all biomes or aquatic zones? Why should humans be concerned with the extinction rate?

Absolutely! Once something is extinct, it's gone forever. Humans have a duty to the earth to preserve as much as possible. It's also been argued that we do not know how valuable these plants and animals might be to people and the planet in the future.

In the 1980s a popular environmental slogan was "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" and now "Go Green," is a popular message. Consider the Reusable Grocery Bags sold in markets everywhere. What are the pros and cons that you see in this latest trend? Give examples of the potential environmental impact.

I gave you my opinion for the previous question. Now it's YOUR turn. I'll be glad to comment on your answer.

Humans should strive to preserve a representative sample of all biomes and aquatic zones because extinction is a natural selection process. However, humans should be concerned with the extinction rate for several reasons.

To answer this question and understand why humans should be concerned with the extinction rate, we can break it down into two parts:

1. Should humans strive to preserve a representative sample of all biomes or aquatic zones?
Yes, humans should strive to preserve a representative sample of all biomes or aquatic zones. Each biome and aquatic zone is a unique and complex ecosystem that provides various ecological services, such as oxygen production, regulation of climate, water filtration, and habitat for numerous species. Preserving a diverse range of biomes and aquatic zones allows for the maintenance of biodiversity, which is crucial for the stability and functioning of the Earth's ecosystems.

Furthermore, the preservation of different biomes and aquatic zones ensures the availability of resources for future generations. For example, preserving forests helps in maintaining the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere, preventing soil erosion, and providing timber and other forest products.

2. Why should humans be concerned with the extinction rate?
Humans should be concerned with the extinction rate for several reasons, including:

a. Loss of biodiversity: Every species plays a critical role in maintaining the balance and functioning of ecosystems. When a species goes extinct, it disrupts the intricate web of interactions within ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity reduces the resilience of ecosystems, making them more susceptible to disturbances and less capable of providing essential services.

b. Ecological services: Many species, including plants, insects, and microorganisms, are critical for providing ecological services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The loss of these species can have far-reaching consequences for food production, agriculture, and human well-being.

c. Ethical and aesthetic values: Many people believe that it is our responsibility to preserve Earth's biodiversity for ethical reasons. All species have intrinsic value and deserve to exist for their own sake, not just for the benefits they provide to humans. Additionally, the diversity of life forms enriches our lives and contributes to the beauty of the natural world.

d. Potential unknown benefits: The Earth's biodiversity is a vast reservoir of potentially beneficial substances and genetic resources. Many medicines, food crops, and other products have been derived from natural sources. By preserving diverse ecosystems and species, we increase the chances of discovering new resources and solutions to various challenges.

In conclusion, humans should strive to preserve a representative sample of all biomes and aquatic zones to maintain biodiversity, ensure the availability of resources, and protect ecological services. Furthermore, humans should be concerned with the extinction rate due to the loss of biodiversity, the disruption of ecological services, ethical and aesthetic values, and the potential loss of unknown benefits.