Global Perspectives Why Is Biodiversity Important? L1 Black Rhinoceros Poached for its horn. From , 96% of Africa’s black rhinos were killed in a wave of poaching. Black Rhinoceros Poached for its horn. From , 96% of Africa’s black rhinos were killed in a wave of poaching.

Learning Objectives To understand and compare the perspectives about the importance of Biodiversity. To evaluate and create lists of endangered habitats and organisms.

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Why Preserve Biodiversity? People take different approaches when making the case for preserving biodiversity. Some argue that biodiversity is important to ensure access to new medications, while others emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems for recreational purposes such as fishing or camping. Of course, many people use more than one argument when calling for biodiversity protection. You will discuss the importance of maintaining ecosystems and will learn and evaluate the various arguments that people make in favour of preserving the Earth's biodiversity.

TASK 1 Please read “Biodiversity: The Fabric of Life” You have approximately five minutes to browse the list of vanishing species at: Describe in a class discussion a few of the animals you have learned about and the reasons why these animals are threatened. Explain the perspectives as to why you think it's important for these animals to be protected.

TASK 2 Define the following terms: biodiversity, ecosystem, extinction. To demonstrate your understanding of these terms, write or state sentences that use all three of these words. For example, you might say, "In order to preserve biodiversity and prevent species extinction, all members of an ecosystem must be protected."

WATCH – “The Greatest Lie Ever Told” Why are all the members of an ecosystem important? What happens if one member of an ecosystem no longer exists? For example, what might happen if a certain type of fish dies out of a lake ecosystem, leaving its predators without a food source and its prey without a predator? What are the potential impacts for animal and plant members of the ecosystem and for people who live near or make use of the ecosystem (e.g., fishers or tourists).

Group Work IN GROUPS OF FOUR: Discuss the reasons why you think biodiversity is important and why endangered animals and habitats should be protected. Why should ecosystems be kept healthy, with every member of the ecosystem protected? What is the context of your argument? Explain a global and regional context in which your arguments have been made.

Review Discuss your ideas with the class or group. Do you have more than one argument in favour of preserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems? The five major categories of these arguments are as follows: Economic: "Biodiversity can help people make money or keep people from losing money." Recreational: "People love outdoor activities like fishing and backpacking, which would not be possible if ecosystems were destroyed." Human health: "Biodiversity can help people find better cures for illnesses." Human rights: "If biodiversity is protected, indigenous people can continue to live in their native lands." Spiritual/intrinsic value: "Biodiversity should be preserved for its own sake," "Animals and plants have a right to live," and "People rely on wild places and creatures for spiritual fulfilment." Have you identified any of these arguments in your discussions?