Agricultural Uses ================= Genetic diversity is really important as it prevents certain useful traits from becoming extinct. We only use about 20 different species to provide nearly all our food resources. New crops can be developed from other species to prevent disease or drought wiping out a whole section of the world's food.
Commercial Uses =============== Commercially harvesting different species supports local economies and is central to some cultures. However, overfishing and irresponsible methods means that a lot of species are in decline e.g. cod stocks and freshwater mussels.
Ecological Uses =============== Each particular ecosystem depends on interaction between the species to survive - one example is a "food chain". If one species dies off, then dependant plants and animals will also die off, whilst other species, that were previously eaten, will flourish and cause a diminuation in the species that they eat etc...
Medical Uses ============ Natural medicinal compounds are discovered on an almost daily basis, providing cures and relief from many different diseases. Even the simplest of drugs such as aspirin cannot be taken for granted - derived from the willow tree aspirin is used for headache and toothache relief right through to preventing blood clots. Unfortunately, only about one fifth of all known plant species have been examined for medicinal compounds, yet over 100 plant species per day are being made extinct.
Recreational Uses ================= Many jobs in tourism depend on animal and plant species - millions of dollars every year are spent on safari tours, whale watching, bird watching...you name it.
Conclusion ========== It's easy to say that we should save endangered species, but not always to explain why. This article highlights just a few reasons why we must strive to save such a diverse range of plants and animals. About the Author
Emma is the founder of Changing Earth - an initiative to help educate people in how to change Earth for the better, and slow the damaging effects we have on our planet. Get free advertising by submitting your articles to Changing Earth whilst helping to 'do your bit'!
