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Preservation of Biodiversity Human beings have inhabited Earth for just a blink of an eye. Almost any ecosystem can provide resources valuable to humans. 'However, recent reports show that approximately 40 percent of the earth's land surface has been altered by humanity'; (Becher). These altered surfaces have provided communities for humans, but the process has destroyed many native species and ecosystems. Global biodiversity is currently in danger. Estimates vary in how fast a species becomes extinct, from 'one species per day to one species per hour'; (Howes). In ancient times, geological activities and natural catastrophes would cause the extinction of species.
But today, humans cause extinction through the manipulation of land use, pollution and etc. There are many reasons to preserve biodiversity such as medical advances, contributions to their ecosystem and much more. The primary arguments for preserving global biodiversity can be separated into two categories, human motives and natural existence. 'Preserving a diversity of life on Earth has come to be an accepted goal for many people'; (Botkin/Keller). Four distinct categories why humans desire to preserve biodiversity are recreational, religious, aesthetic / emotive , and economic / intellectual reasons. There are many reasons for preserving biodiversity because of recreation. Children love the sight of exotic animals and other species.
The most accommodating site to view a wide variety of species is a zoo and other similar sites. These sites provide jobs and enjoyment for people of all ages. Recreation also means the poaching of animals whether or not they are rare. The second reason to preserve biodiversity due to human motives is religion. Preserving a species for religious purposes can be taken two ways. An animal, insect or etc.
can be worshipped (i. e. scarab beetles and cats in the days of ancient Egypt) or preserved because a higher being created its existence. Human beings are not all- knowing and all-powerful. Decimating a species should not be our choice, but our actions provide this result daily.
The next reasons are aesthetic and emotive. These can be described by the positive sensations humans see and feel when viewing a living organism. A dollar amount cannot be placed upon these sensations. Beauty of an organism is not always based upon the same standards. Some people may find trees beautiful to view while others may find them taking up needless space. Current generations of species must be preserved so the future generations of children may enjoy what we enjoy today.
The last reasons for human motives are economic and intellectual. Humans have made use of a diverse number of species in this area. The wide diversity in each ecosystem has allowed scientists to conduct medical research. This allows humans to discover new cures for sickness, as long as a diverse supply is present.
Researching in this field has opened many employment opportunities. Many companies have made millions of dollars using knowledge gained from researching different species. There are still many more species in rainforests, wetlands and other regions of our Earth that have yet to be discovered. Because extinction is occurring rapidly, scientists may miss the opportunity to use an organism to benefit mankind.
Tourism is also a vital part of economy in some lands. Regions such as Africa and South America greatly benefit from the diversity in species the tropics provide. Other reasons for preserving the biosphere are indirectly linked to the human species. Ethical and ecological reasons belong in this category. From an ethical standpoint, 'All species have an inherent right to exist'; (Botkin/Keller). The fact that organisms are alive entitles them to stay that way.
If human interactions directly conflict with a species survival, it should be in our interest to resolve that conflict. Imbedded in the minds of humans should be the sense of balance and harmony with nature. The ecology of earth depends upon preserving biodiversity. Each living organism is somehow intertwined within the their habitat. 'All life depends on the uninterrupted functioning of natural systems that ensure the supply of energy and nutrients, so ecological responsibility among all people is necessary for the survival, security, equity, and dignity of the world's communities'; (Botkin/Keller). For example, wetlands are one of the most threatened ecosystems due to increasing human populations. They are not the most hospitable, due to its smell, insects and other factors.
Increasing human population requires cities to expand and many times develop over wetlands. This may seem like a positive result, but wetlands provide regions with valuable resources. Each organism working within its habitat provides a living, breathing and producing environment for all. A tremendous amount of work has been dedicated to preserving biodiversity. But much more has to be done to eliminate the ignorance people hold against certain life- forms. Preserving the biosphere is something we can do.
We can respond to direct and indirect manipulation habitats by writing to our government. We can support the many nonprofit organizations that encourage the preservation of biodiversity. What we cannot change are the dead habitats and the thousands of species that have already disappeared. But now there are clarified reasons as to why biodiversity should be preserved.
There is little we can do about these losses besides study what once existed and learn not to repeat mistakes. But there is still much to save and there are many ways to help preserve our global biodiversity.
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