First Paragraph: Find and choose one area that fits under a category of the IUCN protected areas. In 100-150 words, describe what category it fits under and what makes it fit under this specific category.

Second Paragraph: Choose one type of species that has either gone extinct or is on the endangered species list. In 100-150 words, explain what is causing the extinction and how the biodiversity is being affected or will be affected after extinction.

Third Paragraph: In the module we learned that biodiversity matters for both anthropocentric and egocentric reasons. It seems that many people do not care for the egocentric reasons.  In a short paragraph, 100-125 words, explain why these reasons are important. If you do not agree, give your reasons behind the argument.

1. The Yellowstone National Park is one of the most commonly known national parks in the United States. It is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, but is also located in Montana and Idaho. As the name suggests, this reserve fits under Category 2 which is the national parks. The description for this category includes an area that is intended to balance the ecosystem with human recreation. The Yellowstone National Park is exactly this. It is an area that has been set aside for permanent protection, but humans often vacation here. The Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the United States.

2. One animal that is well-known is the White Rhino. However, it may not be known that these animals are titled as “critically endangered”. There is more than one cause of the decline of these animals which includes habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and poaching. White Rhinos are important to the ecosystem. It has been discovered that “short grass” grows better and there is a higher quantity of short grass where the Rhinos graze. Short grass is important because where there is short grass, there is a higher diversity in the landscape. Without rhinos, the function and dynamics of the Savanna ecosystem is said to become threatened.

3. Egocentric reasons to value biodiversity is based on the idea that biodiversity has essential value beyond human use. In the module, an example given was that a redwood should be protected in order for future generations to appreciate it. This is exact example is also brought up a lot when talking about climate change, which is another aspect of biodiversity. I believe that it is important for future generations to see and appreciate the environment and wildlife as much as we are able to. I believe that egocentric reasons for conserving biodiversity is important because the different species and wildlife on this Earth are beautiful and should be treated the same as human life.