Answer to Question 1
There are two kinds of value: instrumental and intrinsic. Instrumental value is anthropocentric and can be categorized into three areas: sources for agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and animal husbandry; sources for medicines; and sources of recreational, aesthetic, and scientific value. Instrumental value means that a species has a specific function for humans. Something has intrinsic value when it has value for its own sake; that is, it does not have to be useful to use to possess value. Some will argue that only humans have intrinsic value but others argue that every species has intrinsic value. The difference in the assignment of intrinsic value to species is the source of many conflicts. A species with instrumental value has a very clear worth to humans, while the worth of a species with intrinsic value is less easily defined or quantified. According to Leopold and The Land Ethic, A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise. Leopold tends to focus on intrinsic values above instrumental.
Answer to Question 2
The biota and the ecosystems they form represent wealththe biological wealththat comprises most of the ecosystem capital that sustains human life and economic activity with goods and services. From this perspective, the biota found in each country represents a major component of the country's wealth. Humans have always depended upon Earth's biological wealth for food and materials, and as animals, we have always exploited wild species for food. Humans depend upon ecosystems and the biota for food, clothing, housing, and all aspects of our lives.
The Grants' investigation of natural selection in finches.
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