Why is Biodiversity Important?
External URL: https://digitalcollections.amnh.org/asset-management/2URM1TPBO24R?WS=PackagePres&serc_source=serc
Biodiversity is important to many aspects of our lives for various reasons. The value of biodiversity is highly categorized, although there are two main classifications: utilitarian value (defined by use) and intrinsic value (the inherent worth of an organism). Utilitarian values are further broken down into direct use values (goods e.g., food, clothing, medicine), indirect use values (services e.g., pollination, spiritual beliefs, scientific and educational value), and non-use values (e.g., potential value, bequest value). The values we place on biodiversity are highly important in making conservation decisions.