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.
Answer: The loss of plant species and habitats will devastate animals and hinder human progress.
In this excerpt, the author describes how human action is destroying natural environments and causing the disapearance of species. He argues that loss of habitat and introduction of exotic species to natural environments are the leading causes of animal extinction. He then explains that if we do not care about the animal and plant loss per se, we should care because this will limit human progress. It will not allow us to develop more medicine, crops and techology. Therefore, the loss of habitats will not only devastate animals but also hinder human progress.
learning about the beliefs and values of different cultures, recognizing any barriers to cultural communication, and practicing techniques that build and foster multicultural communication.
