Question

The idea that humans have an innate attachment to other life-forms, put forth by E. O. Wilson, is known as a. biodiversity. b. biophilia. c. the call of the wild. d. biotheology. e. the "last of the wild."

Short answer

The term coined by E. O. Wilson for the concept that humans have an inherent affinity for other life forms is 'biophilia'.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Terms

The first step in tackling this exercise is understanding the meaning of each of the terms. \n\na. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat.\nb. Biophilia is the theory suggesting that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.\nc. The call of the wild is a phrase that suggests a craving for the outdoors or untamed nature.\nd. Biotheology is a field of study that seeks to link religious belief and practice with biological theory and knowledge.\ne. The 'last of the wild' is not a standard term in this context. It can refer to areas untouched by human activities.

Identify the Correct Term

From the definitions provided, it's clear that the term 'biophilia' best fits the definition given in the question.

Key concepts

E. O. Wilson

The concept of biophilia was first introduced by Edward O. Wilson, an American biologist known for his work on biodiversity and conservation. Wilson's deep understanding of the interconnectedness of life has been influential in studies of ecology and sociobiology, which is the scientific study of the biological aspects of social behavior. His fascination with the natural world led him to suggest that humans have an evolution-based affinity for nature, a term he dubbed 'biophilia.'

Wilson's theories have fostered a greater appreciation for the natural world and inspired movements across the globe to protect and nurture biodiversity. By examining Wilson's contributions to the field, we start to understand the profound relationship between humans and the environment and the need for its preservation.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the rich tapestry of all life forms on Earth, encompassing the variability among living organisms, including diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. This concept is a cornerstone of Wilson's work and is critical for the functioning of ecosystems, providing services such as water purification, pollination of crops, and climate regulation.

It's important to recognize that biodiversity is not just about the vast number of species; it also reflects the complex interactions and dependencies among them. The loss of biodiversity can lead to weakened ecosystems and can disrupt the balance of nature, potentially causing cascading effects on human well-being. Hence, understanding biodiversity is essential in highlighting the interdependencies of life and the necessity of conserving it.

Human Attachment to Nature

The innate human attachment to nature is evident in the enjoyment people find in parks, gardens, and natural landscapes. This attachment is not merely aesthetic but is believed to be rooted in human evolution. As Wilson argued with 'biophilia,' this connection is deep-seated, and nature exposure is linked to benefits such as reduced stress, enhanced recovery from illness, and improved mental health.

Urbanization and technological advancements, however, have reduced our direct experiences with nature. This disconnection can have adverse implications for both individual well-being and societal attitudes toward environmental conservation. Educating about this attachment can inspire preservation efforts and designs that integrate natural elements into urban spaces, aiming to rekindle that fundamental connection.

Innate Tendencies

Innate tendencies refer to behaviors and preferences that humans are born with, as opposed to those learned through experience. The biophilia hypothesis proposes that humans harbor an innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes. This could manifest in an interest in animals, a passion for gardening, or a love for walks in the forest.

Recognizing these innate tendencies can help in various aspects of life and work, such as landscape design, education, and therapy. For instance, biophilic design in architecture aims to incorporate natural elements into the built environment, catering to this inherent human inclination towards nature to enhance well-being and productivity.