Why is biodiversity important?

Protection from disease When there are a variety of species, a single pathogen is less likely able to ravage an ecosystem.

Protecting minority humans A species of negligible value to a dominant society may be of critical value to a marginal society.

Protection of sentient species Some endangered species are capable of learning language. Some humans are not. I typically value worth on a combination of mental traits. Some animals are capable of holding jobs. Some humans are not. Many people often value worth by productivity. Some animals are more valuable than some humans.

Natural history DNA is subject to statistical analysis. This analysis can provide insight into previous environments and the adaptations needed to survive them. Humans may have a future use for a solution already encoded by another species.

Undiscovered potential Most models would place a non-negligible value upon an unknown self-replicating organism that has been adapted to the modelers environment after several million generations. At the very least, identification, classification, and understanding would be attempted before placing a value.

Value from scarcity Economics. As supply decreases, cost increases.

Ethics Treat others as you would have yourself be treated. Don't afflict others with the negative consequences of your actions. Protect the oppressed. Be a good neighbor. Share. Improve your environment for the next visitor. Because you may be judged by the rules you apply to others.

It is good to reconsider our memes, but for me biodiversity passes. I've tried to keep this brief in order to maintain clarity.