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Endangered Species

There are three valid arguments to support the preservation of endangered species. An aesthetic justification contends that biodiversity contributes to the quality of life because many of the endangered plants and animals are particularly appreciated for their unique physical beauty. The aesthetic role of nature in all its diverse forms is reflected in the art and literature of every culture, attaining symbolic status in the spiritual life of many groups.  (A) (I)

According to the proponents of the aesthetic argument, people need nature in all its diverse and beautiful forms as part of the experience of the world. Another argument that has been put forward, especially by groups in the medical and pharmacological fields, is that of ecological self-interest. (B) By preserving all species, we retain a balance of nature that is ultimately beneficial to humankind. Recent research on global ecosystems has been cited as evidence that every species contributes important or even essential functions that may be necessary to the survival of our own species. (II)

Some advocates of the ecological argument contend that important chemical compounds derived from rare plants may contain the key to a cure for one of the diseases currently threatening human beings. If we do not protect other species, then they cannot protect us. (C) (III)

Apart from human advantage in both the aesthetic and ecological arguments, the proponents of a moral justification contend that all species have the right to exist, a viewpoint stated in the United Nations World Charter for Nature, created in 1982. Furthermore, if humankind views itself as the stewards of all the creatures on Earth, then it is incumbent upon human beings to protect them, and to ensure the continued existence of all species. (IV)

Moral justification has been extended by a movement called “deep ecology,” the members of which rank the biosphere higher than people because the continuation of life depends on this larger perspective. (D) To carry their argument to its logical conclusion, all choices must be made for the biosphere, not for people. (V)

[question text="Which of the following is the main topic of the passage? " answers=" The beauty of the world#The quality of life#*The preservation of species#The balance of nature "]

[question text="Which of the arguments supports animal rights? " answers=" Aesthetic justification#Ecological argument#Self-interest argument#*Moral justification "]

[question text="The word “perspective” in paragraph V could best be replaced by " answers=" ideal#event#truth#*view "]

[question text="The word “unique” in paragraph I is closest in meaning to " answers=" strong#new#*special#active "]

[question text="The word “them” in Paragraph IV refers to " answers=" humankind#stewards#*creatures#human beings "]

[question text="Where in the passage (see underlined text) does the author explain how rare species contribute to the health of the human species? " answers=" A#B#*C#D "]

[question text="What does the author mean by the statement in Paragraph II : “According to the proponents of the aesthetic argument, people need nature in all its diverse and beautiful forms as part of the experience of the world”? " answers=" The world is experienced by nature in various forms that are equally beautiful#People are naturally attracted to beautiful forms rather than to different ones#Nature is beautiful because it provides varied experiences for people#*An appreciation of the Earth requires that people have an opportunity to enjoy the diversity and beauty of nature "]

[question text="According to the passage, what do we know from research on global ecosystems? " answers=" Nature is very diverse.#*A balance of nature is important.#Humans have a responsibility to nature.#Nature represents spiritual values. "]

[question text="The author mentions all of the following as justifications for the protection of endangered species EXCEPT " answers=" the natural compounds needed for medicines#the intrinsic value of the beauty of nature#*the control of pollution in the biosphere#the right to life implied by their existence "]

[question text="It can be inferred from the passage that the author " answers=" is a member of the “deep ecology” movement#does not agree with ecological self-interest#*supports all of the arguments to protect species#participated in drafting the Charter for Nature "]

 

 

 

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