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Six Chix by Margaret Shulock, dist. by King Features SyndicateMany butterfly species are on the verge of extinction. Sad but true. The rate of animal extinctions has increased in recent times due to several factors including habitat destruction, over exploitation, and introduction of non-native species.
Why should we save plant and animal species from extinction? Other than the fact that they have a right to exist for their own purposes, we benefit from the biodiversity of increased numbers of species. About 40% of all medications are derived from natural compounds from plants. Approximately 100 species go extinct daily and we've only screened about 5% of known plant species for their potential medicinal use.
There are an estimated 80,000 species of edible plants on the earth, with only 20 species being used currently to produce 90% of our food. Wild relatives of these species contain essential disease-resistant materials that could provide much needed food crops in the event of a disaster, such as a fungus outbreak on our corn crops.
Plant and animal species are the basis for our varied ecosystems. We depend on these ecosystems for our very survival because of their roles in purifying our air, cleansing our water systems and providing us with food. When species become endangered it's a sign that our ecosystems are in trouble. When one species disappears it is estimated that it affects 30 other species.
Plant and animal species and their ecosystems provide us with quality of life in the form of tourism, recreation, and spiritual fulfillment. Every year millions of Americans spend billions of dollars to see, photograph, and enjoy wildlife. This biological diversity is a part of our national heritage and an invaluable and irreplaceable resource.
Our quality of life and that of future generations depends on our preservation of plant and animal species. So you see, decisions you make about your lifestyle choices affects much more than just your life; it affects everything. Everything.
Why should we save plant and animal species from extinction? Other than the fact that they have a right to exist for their own purposes, we benefit from the biodiversity of increased numbers of species. About 40% of all medications are derived from natural compounds from plants. Approximately 100 species go extinct daily and we've only screened about 5% of known plant species for their potential medicinal use.
There are an estimated 80,000 species of edible plants on the earth, with only 20 species being used currently to produce 90% of our food. Wild relatives of these species contain essential disease-resistant materials that could provide much needed food crops in the event of a disaster, such as a fungus outbreak on our corn crops.
Plant and animal species are the basis for our varied ecosystems. We depend on these ecosystems for our very survival because of their roles in purifying our air, cleansing our water systems and providing us with food. When species become endangered it's a sign that our ecosystems are in trouble. When one species disappears it is estimated that it affects 30 other species.
Plant and animal species and their ecosystems provide us with quality of life in the form of tourism, recreation, and spiritual fulfillment. Every year millions of Americans spend billions of dollars to see, photograph, and enjoy wildlife. This biological diversity is a part of our national heritage and an invaluable and irreplaceable resource.
Our quality of life and that of future generations depends on our preservation of plant and animal species. So you see, decisions you make about your lifestyle choices affects much more than just your life; it affects everything. Everything.
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