Which of the following is an example of a narrowly utilitarian reason for conserving biodiversity?

The availability of medicinal plants

The correct answer is Option (3) -The availability of medicinal plants

The reasons for conserving biodiversity can be categorized into three groups: narrowly utilitarian, broadly utilitarian, and ethical.

Narrowly utilitarian arguments focus on the direct economic benefits humans derive from nature, including food (cereals, pulses, fruits), firewood, fiber, construction material, industrial products (tannins, lubricants, dyes, resins, perfumes), and medicinal products. Additionally, bioprospecting, which involves exploring molecular, genetic, and species-level diversity for economically valuable products, can lead to substantial benefits for nations rich in biodiversity.

Broadly utilitarian arguments emphasize the role of biodiversity in providing essential ecosystem services. For instance, the fast-dwindling Amazon forest contributes to approximately 20% of the earth's total oxygen through photosynthesis. Pollination, performed by various pollinators such as bees, bumblebees, birds, and bats, is another critical service provided by ecosystems. Furthermore, there are intangible benefits, such as the aesthetic pleasure of walking through dense forests, witnessing spring flowers in full bloom, or awakening to the song of a bulbul in the morning.

The ethical argument for conserving biodiversity revolves around our responsibility to the millions of plant, animal, and microbe species that coexist with us on this planet. Regardless of their current economic value to us, every species possesses intrinsic value. Thus, we have a moral duty to ensure their well-being and preserve our biological heritage for future generations.