Animals

Biodiversity, Extinction, hunting and the treatment of domestic animals

Biodiversity (Variation of life)

• Both between species and genetically within species

• Roughly 1.4 million species of plants and animals have been identified. It is estimated that over 3 million exist

• Why is this variation so important to our ecosystems?

Extinction

• We are in the mist of a mass extinction• On average, the planet loses 10-100 species a year• Currently, the planet is losing an estimated

27,000 species a year.• Once a species is completely gone, it can

never come back (except in Jurassic Park)

Endangered Species

• A species at such low numbers it is at risk for extinction

• http://away.com/travel-gd-animals-endangered-species-photo-gallery-sidwcmdev_094080.html?gclid=CJfqr6-J46QCFQtL5wodX2xZlA

• The Endangered Species Act of 1972 keeps a list of endangered species and supplies funding and support to the preservation of endangered species habitat

Hunting

• Traditional hunting: hunting and killing an animal with the proper license particularly for the purpose of food

• Trophy hunting: killing an animal for the purpose of displaying the animal or using a small part of it, typically for pride and prestige

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uje7CR1cW5Q

Domestic animals

• Animals that are able to live with humans.• Can be for companionship (dogs, cats) or for a

special purpose (cattle, transportation, entertainment)

Cattle

Breeding

What do these two have in common?

Entertainment

Conclusion…

WE HAVE A TON OF POWER!!

Discussion questions

• Is it our responsibility as humans to conserve biodiversity and protect endangered animals?

• Why is it so important to preserve our large predators?

• Why is some hunting necessary?• Is trophy hunting an ethical human practice?• Do all animals have the right to a decent life, or

are they simply creatures with no conscience that we can treat how we please?