Question

Describe your gut-level reaction to the following statement: "Eventually, all species become extinct. So it does not really matter that the passenger pigeon is extinct, and that the polar bear (Core Case Study) and the world's remaining tiger species are endangered mostly because of human activities." Be honest about your reaction, and give arguments to support your position.

Short answer

Immediate reaction is concern; extinction due to humans matters as it impacts biodiversity and ethical responsibility.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Statement

Read the statement carefully to understand its primary argument. It suggests that since all species eventually become extinct, current extinctions or endangerments do not matter.

Formulate Initial Reaction

Consider your immediate emotional and intellectual response to the statement. This might include feelings of disagreement, concern for biodiversity, and implications for ethical responsibility.

Assess the Importance of Biodiversity

Evaluate the role of biodiversity in ecosystems. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services to humans such as clean water, food, and air.

Consider Ethical Implications

Reflect on the ethical responsibility humans have toward other species. Consider the impact of human activities on the extinction and endangerment of species, raising questions about moral responsibility.

Argue for Preservation Efforts

Make an argument for why preserving endangered species like polar bears and tigers is important despite eventual extinction. This includes maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity for future generations.

Conclude with Personal Position

Summarize your position, emphasizing the need for proactive conservation efforts to prevent extinction caused by human actions, while recognizing the natural process of extinction.

Key concepts

Ecosystem Stability

Ecosystem stability refers to the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time, despite facing stress or disturbances. This stability is highly reliant on biodiversity, which includes a variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms as well as the genes they contain. Every species within an ecosystem plays a crucial role.
For instance, some species help in pollination, while others might be involved in decomposition or as prey for other animals. Such interactions contribute to important ecosystem services like food production, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.
Without a diverse biological community, ecosystems could become unstable, leading to diminished resources and increased vulnerability to environmental changes.​

• Biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to natural disasters such as fires, floods, and hurricanes.
• They can better withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change and human activities.
• Maintaining a variety of species acts as an insurance policy against unforeseen ecological problems.

Ethical Responsibility

The concept of ethical responsibility emphasizes that humans have a moral obligation to other living organisms. Given that many species become endangered primarily due to human activities, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, it's essential to consider our ethical duty to mitigate this impact.
When one species is lost, it is not merely a loss to the ecosystem; it is a moral failure on our part. Many argue that just because extinction is a natural process, it does not absolve us from minimizing our contributions to it.

• We have the technological and scientific means to prevent further harm to many species.
• Every decision impacting ecosystem health should consider ethical ramifications.
• Future generations rely on the choices we make today for a healthy environment.

Species Endangerment

Species endangerment occurs when a particular species is at risk of disappearing. This can lead to permanent loss of an organism from the planet, thereby reducing biodiversity and impacting ecosystem stability.
Human activities are the primary drivers of endangerment. Activities such as deforestation, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade put unprecedented pressure on species. For instance, polar bears and tigers face increasing threats due to habitat loss and poaching.
Understanding why species become endangered helps direct conservation efforts effectively. Efforts include establishing protected areas, enforcing wildlife protection laws, and restoring natural habitats.

• Endangered species are often indicators of larger environmental issues.
• Protecting these species often means protecting entire habitats, benefiting all species within the ecosystem.
• Educational programs can raise awareness and foster community support for conservation projects.