Questions for Thought

Question 1: Society does not have the resources to save every species from human-caused extinction. How should we decide where to put our energy and resources in conserving species? Should we concentrate on the species people like best, the “charismatic megafauna?” What other criteria might we use?

Question 2: Should our primary aim be to preserve a maximum amount of biodiversity? Or, in light of what we know about ecosystem interactions, should we concentrate on ecosystems and try to maintain ecological processes.

Question 3: In a few decades, your children or other young people may ask you what you did in the 1990’s, when the full extent of the biodiversity crisis became known. What will your answer be?

Explore:

Click here for Endangered Species Classroom Activities
Click here for Endangered Species Classroom Glossary