Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
c.
Preserving Choices
No one can predict which species may be essential to the future of man-
kind. A species that is allowed to become extinct might have been the key to
stopping a global epidemic or to surviving a major climate change.
d.
Interdependence
The extinction of a single species can set off a chain reaction of harm to
other species. The disappearance of a single kind of plant from an area, for
example, may lead to the disappearance of certain insects, higher animals, and
other plants.
e.
Natural Balance
Extinction has always been a natural part of an ever-changing process.
During most of history, species have formed at a rate greater than the rate of
extinctions. Now, however, it appears that human activity is greatly speeding
up the rate of extinctions. People, plants, and animals live together in a deli-
cate balance; the disappearance of species could easily upset that balance.
f.
Stability
The more diversity that exists in an ecosystem, the more stable it is
likely to be. There is less likelihood of huge swings in populations of par-
ticular organisms. There is also less likelihood of devastation from the intro-
duction of a new species from outside the system.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a federal law administered by the Fish
and Wildlife Service (FWS) of the Department of the Interior. The ESA
makes it illegal to kill, harm, or collect endangered or threatened wildlife or
fish or to remove endangered or threatened plants from areas under federal ju-
risdiction. It also requires other federal agencies to ensure that any action they
carry out or authorize is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any
endangered or threatened species, or to destroy or adversely modify its critical
habitat. As a result, EPA must ensure that no registered pesticide use is
likely to jeopardize the survival of any endangered or threatened species.
