Reply to those posts and let them know whether you agree or disagree with their opinion and WHY.

Student1

I disagree with the opinion, that we should just aid in the extinction of species that are deemed wasted of space. I believe the planet would suffer if any species were to be wiped out from existence. Every species on Earth plays a vital role in the ecosystem and our overall way of life. In section 8.2.1, it states that biodiversity helps prevent food scarcity and would benefit the human population if utilized more, rather than relying solely on a few well-known crops for harvesting and cultivation. Without it million of human could starve because there wouldn't be any chance of crossing breeding to create a more sustainable source. According to section 8.2.4, having many different species helps maintain ecosystem balance and can even enhance the overall environment. There are some unique features that some species of plants and even animals provide to that benefits everyone that humans cannot replicate or even live without, such as clean water and air.

student2

While it might seem like the world would be better off without so many species, every species plays a role in keeping ecosystems healthy. One reason some species might seem expendable is functional redundancy. This means many species can perform similar jobs. For example, different pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds all help pollinate flowers. If one species disappears, others can often step in to do the same job. But over time, losing too many species can weaken ecosystems, making it harder for them to recover.

Another point is that some species can harm ecosystems when they're introduced to new areas. Invasive species like the zebra mussel in North American lakes or the cane toad in Australia cause damage by outcompeting native species or eating them. In these cases, removing the harmful species can actually help restore the environment.

However, even though some species might seem less important or even harmful, biodiversity is crucial for a healthy planet. Every species is part of a larger system that helps keep everything in balance, from food production to climate regulation. Losing too many species could lead to big problems for humans and the planet.