Final answer:
More than half of the most important prescription drugs are derived from wild species, and only a fraction of species have been studied for their medical value. True. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in medicine, with significant investments in research and potential impacts on future pharmaceutical availability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that more than half of the most important prescription drugs come from wild species and that only a fraction of species have been studied for their medical potential is True. The vast majority of prescription drugs have origins in natural compounds, with a significant number derived from plants and other living organisms. For instance, notable medicines such as aspirin, codeine, digoxin, atropine, and vincristine are all derived from plant compounds. Moreover, animal venoms and toxins are increasingly being recognized for their pharmaceutical potential. It is important to note that only a small percentage of species have been examined for medical application, suggesting a vast untapped potential waiting to be discovered.
Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in the exploration of natural compounds, with about one third of pharmaceutical research and development dedicated to this endeavor. This drive has resulted in approximately 35 percent of new drugs introduced between 1981 and 2002 being based on natural compounds. The correlation between biodiversity and the availability of pharmaceuticals is stark; as species become extinct, the potential for discovering new medicines diminishes proportionally.
Furthermore, biodiversity is not only crucial for medicinal discovery but also supports agricultural diversity, food security, and provides psychological benefits from natural landscapes. The continued exploration and conservation of natural species are thus essential for future drug development and the well-being of humanity.