Question

Read the following excerpt from E. O. Wilson’s “The Environmental Ethic.” Species are disappearing at an accelerating rate through human action, primarily habitat destruction but also pollution and the introduction of exotic species into residual natural environments. I have said that a fifth or more of the species of plants and animals could vanish or be doomed to early extinction by the year 2020 unless better efforts are made to save them. . . . As the last forests are felled [destroyed] in forest strongholds like the Philippines and Ecuador, the decline of species will accelerate even more. In the world as a whole, extinction rates are already hundreds or thousands of times higher than before the coming of man. They cannot be balanced by new evolution in any period of time that has meaning for the human race. Why should we care? What difference does it make if some species are extinguished, if even half of all the species on earth disappear? Let me count the ways. New sources of scientific information will be lost. Vast potential biological wealth will be destroyed. Still undeveloped medicines, crops, pharmaceuticals, timber, fibers, pulp, soil-restoring vegetation, petroleum substitutes, and other products and amenities will never come to light. Based on the excerpt, which statement best summarizes the author’s beliefs about the disappearing species? The loss of plant species and habitats will lead to widespread animal extinction. The loss of plant species and habitats will lead to environmental problems in remote regions. The loss of plant species and habitats will displace animals and decrease human wealth. The loss of plant species and habitats will devastate animals and hinder human progress. Mark this and return

Answer 1

The best summary of E. O. Wilson's views is that the loss of species and habitats deeply affects both the environment and human progress, leading to the potential loss of invaluable biological assets and a dramatic impact on human welfare. The correct answer is option 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on E. O. Wilson’s “The Environmental Ethic” excerpt, the statement that best summarizes the author’s beliefs about the disappearing species is that the loss of plant species and habitats will devastate animals and hinder human progress. The author argues that species extinction, primarily due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species, leads to the loss of potential biological wealth and scientific information. This includes undeveloped medicines, crops, and other products crucial for human welfare, which are integral to the health and function of ecosystems.

The disappearance of species is not only a biodiversity crisis but also poses a significant threat to human life support systems. The accelerated extinction rate impacts human welfare by potentially leading to ecosystem collapse and increasing the costs associated with maintaining crucial services, such as food production, clean air, and water. The ecosystems' health is directly connected to human health, highlighting the imperative to halt the rate of species loss.