Final answer:
Elizabeth Kolbert argues for the necessity of human sacrifices in conservation, with actions like supporting conservation organizations, implementing restoration initiatives, and creating preserves being crucial for biodiversity protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elizabeth Kolbert's work discusses the necessity of sacrifices and steps that societies take to preserve endangered species and habitats.
Examples of human sacrifices for the conservation of biodiversity include the creation of preserves like Yosemite National Park, the implementation of the Endangered Species Act, and the support of organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and National Wildlife Federation, which are funded through the donation of money and time. These measures are critical given the direct threats to biodiversity such as habitat loss, interruption of natural disturbances like fires and floods, and the overarching issues posed by global warming and the need for effective ecological restoration.
Additionally, understanding the role of humans in conservation is imperative for devising sustainable strategies, as highlighted in Chapter 14. Modern technologies such as DNA analysis bolster conservation efforts by enabling better cataloging and tracking of species. Besides establishing protected areas, mimicking natural disturbances and habitat restoration are strategies utilized to maintain ecosystem services and biodiversity, ensuring the well-being of species, including humans.