The goal of this assignment is to have you think about why biodiversity is important to you. Before you do the assignment make sure to watch the lecture on "Why Preserve Biodiversity?" and to read Chapter 3 in "An Introduction to Biodiversity". Then wri

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Why should we care?

Why preserve biodiversity?

Assignment

•  In a few sentences describe why you value biodiversity.

•  If you don’t that is fine. But, please explain why.

•  Now watch the presentation. •  Then, add a few sentences describing how your reasons for wither valuing or not valuing biodiversity have changed.

Instrumental Value I

•  Goods

Instrumental Value I

•  Goods – Food – Fuel – Fiber – Medicine

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Instrumental Value II

•  Services

Instrumental Value II

•  Services – Pollination – Nitrogen Fixation – Flood control – Erosion control – Climate regulation

•  Local •  Global

Instrumental Value III

•  Information

Instrumental Value III

•  Information – Genetic Engineering – Applied Biology – Sustainable Harvest – Pure Science

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Instrumental Value IV

•  Psycho-Spiritual

Instrumental Value IV

•  Psycho-Spiritual –  Aesthetic beauty –  Religious or Spiritual Value –  Intergenerational Value –  Scientific Knowledge

Intrinsic Value

•  Biocentric View •  The right of nature to exist for its own sake