“before the American chestnut disappeared, it made up 25% of all of the hardwood forests in the Appalachians, the main mountain range in the eastern United States. The disappearance of the chestnut tree had several negative consequences for the people in this region. Previously, their houses had been built out of chestnut wood. They had relied on the trees for nuts. They had sold the lumber from the trees to make money to support themselves and their families.”
How does this support my claim that biodiversity has significant economic value
This statement supports the claim that biodiversity has significant economic value because it highlights the various economic benefits that were lost when the American chestnut tree disappeared from the Appalachians. The chestnut trees provided wood for building houses, nuts for consumption and trade, and lumber for sale, all of which contributed to the local economy and the livelihoods of the people in the region. The disappearance of the chestnut tree had negative consequences, demonstrating the economic value and dependence on biodiversity for various economic activities and sustenance.
The given information about the American chestnut tree supports the claim that biodiversity has significant economic value. Here's how:
1. Housing: The fact that people in the region used chestnut wood to build their houses demonstrates the economic value of biodiversity. The availability of diverse tree species, like the American chestnut, provides a range of valuable building materials. Biodiversity ensures access to different types of wood, which can be used for construction purposes.
2. Nut production: The disappearance of the chestnut tree affected people's reliance on the trees for nuts. Nuts from the American chestnut had economic value as a source of food or for sale in the local market. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in supporting various food resources, including nuts, which can have economic benefits for the communities that rely on them.
3. Lumber trade: The lumber from the American chestnut tree was being sold to generate income for individuals and families in the region. This emphasizes the economic significance of biodiversity. Diverse tree species contribute to a thriving lumber industry, creating opportunities for employment and income generation. When a species like the American chestnut disappears, it disrupts the economic activities associated with its lumber trade.
Overall, the disappearance of the American chestnut tree highlights the economic value of biodiversity. It demonstrates how different aspects of biodiversity, such as diverse tree species, contribute to various economic activities and support the livelihoods of people in the region.
This passage supports the claim that biodiversity has significant economic value by highlighting the negative consequences faced by the people in the Appalachian region after the disappearance of the American chestnut tree.
1. Building material: The passage mentions that houses were built using chestnut wood. This indicates that the local community relied on the tree's timber as a resource for constructing their homes. When the tree disappeared, they likely had to find alternative building materials, which could have been costlier or not as readily available.
2. Nut production: The passage states that people relied on the chestnut trees for nuts. This suggests that the nuts had economic value as a food source. Whether people consumed them directly or sold them, the disappearance of the chestnut tree would have resulted in the loss of this economic benefit.
3. Lumber sales: The passage highlights that people sold lumber from the chestnut trees to generate income and support themselves and their families. This indicates that the tree had significant economic value as a source of revenue. With the disappearance of the chestnut tree, the local community likely lost an important source of income, potentially impacting their financial stability.
These examples illustrate how the diverse ecosystem provided economic benefits to the people in the region. The loss of a single species, like the American chestnut, had a direct and negative impact on their livelihoods, emphasizing the economic value of biodiversity.