Final answer:
The preservation of entire ecosystems aids in saving many unknown species from extinction, supports vital ecosystem services, and can offer financial benefits and sustainable living practices. It serves as a proactive approach to balancing biodiversity conservation and human economic needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The preservation of entire ecosystems is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and consequently helps in saving many unknown species from extinction. This is evidenced by the inherent benefits of diverse ecosystems such as tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and islands, which are home to many species that have not yet been identified and that contribute significantly to global biodiversity. Ecosystem preservation also supports crucial ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil development, which are essential for human agriculture and overall environmental health.
Ecosystem preservation can indeed provide financial benefits to local economies through ecotourism and the sustainable harvesting of resources. Additionally, challenges such as habitat loss, climate change, and the introduction of exotic species can be partially mitigated through carefully planned preserves. While there is an argument that conservation can lead to humans feeling separate from nature, this can be balanced by providing opportunities for people to connect with nature in less intrusive ways and for preserves to act as a buffer that allows human economic activities to continue without impairing biodiversity excessively.