32. Society should make efforts to save endangered species only if the potential extinction of those species is the result of human activities.

32. Society should make efforts to save endangered species only if the potential extinction of those species is the result of human activities.


Agree: Society should only save species that are endangered because of human activities.
- Humans have had a dramatic impact on the environment and should take responsibility for their actions.
Ex: The northern spotted owl is endangered due to heavy logging in its habitat.
- Humans should not have to take care of endangered species that are not affected by humans.
   - 99% of species that have ever lived have died.
   - Darwin discussed survival of the fittest; evolution will provide new species adapted to the current    environment.
   - STIPULATION: unless the species is necessary for our survival.

Disagree: Society should save all species that are endangered.
- These species could be beneficial to humans with regards to potential medical discoveries.
   Ex: Tropical rainforests contain as much as half of all known varieties of plants evolved with survival    mechanisms that humankind could possibly use. More than 2/3 of all medicines found with cancer-fighting properties come from the rainforests.
- Biodiversity is crucial.
- Some extinction is caused by humans for the greater good of humanity.
Ex: Humans have caused the extinction of various viruses and bacteria, like smallpox.