The list is long and many interactions have not yet been explored. Ultimately we depend on the natural world for everything. Genetic diversity of our crops and livestock is vital for our future food security in a rapidly changing world. Genetically impoverished stocks are more susceptible to pests and disease. All agricultural crops must be periodically bred with wild varieties to increase or maintain their productivity levels.
Scientists also note that biodiversity supports our health care system.
Twenty-five percent of drugs prescribed in the U.S. contain chemical compounds derived from wild species. The cure for AIDS or cancer may be hidden in the vast tracts of still unexplored rainforests. By destroying forests today, we are limiting our options for treating illness in the future. As more and more people inhabit the planet, less room, or habitat, is available for other species. Our behavior has caused broad-scale modifications of the natural world, affecting animal and plant life in many ways.