16: The Value of Biodiversity Flashcards
Why is biodiversity important?
it provides us with
1. food
2. products of economic value
3. drugs and medicines
4. ecological services
5. aesthetic and recreational opportunities
6. existence value/intrinsic value
What is an example of a drug that biodiversity has provided us with?
vinblastine and vincristine
What is vinblastine and vincristine?
it is a chemotherapy drug that is derived from periwinkle, they prevent the growth of cancerous cells
What are examples of drugs and medicines that biodiversity has provided?
aspirin, taxol, morphine, quinine, digitalis
What are ecological services?
benefits people receive from ecosystems
What are examples of ecological services?
- pollination
- carbon capture
- flood control
- erosion control
- water purification
What is ecotourism?
an important sector of the economy in many countries
What is existence value?
people feel good knowing that something exists even though they do not benefit from it personally
What is intrinsic value?
biodiversity has a value on itself, for its own sake
What are examples of foods that biodiversity provides?
coffee and cacao
What are products of economic value that biodiversity provides?
rubber, oil, dyes, fiber, paper, lumber
