Why conserve biodiversity?
Ethical and moral argument: the extinction of any species diminishes the environment in both real and intangible ways, and diminishes the human species.
Aesthetic and Recreational Potential. Diversity is essential to humankind's general view of its place in the world, and the well-being of individuals.
Ecological Impact. Simplification of complex ecosystems leads to lack of stability and loss of productivity. Environmental degradation may trigger environmental disasters, or make a disaster worse.
a. Wild germ plasm of economically important species.
b. Undiscovered resources--e.g. Taxol