Is it necessary for humans to exist on earth ?

Answer 1

Necessary for who? It is certainly necessary for humans. If it wasn't for humans, humanity in general wouldn't exist. Maybe the rest of the planet might not miss us much, but I certainly would.

While our presence and proliferation certainly does have a detrimental effect on many other organisms and ecosystems, it is because we create our own ecosystem. Not many people really think about, but human cities and even rural developments have their own ecology and associated plant and animal life that thrives in contact with humans.

Species such as rats, cockroaches and pigeons are the obvious faunal assemblage associated with human activity, but there are other species of animals that have become far more successful in association with humanity than they would otherwise have been. Cats and dogs are far more numerous and widespread than their wild counterparts, as are chickens, sheep, cows and all of our domestic animals.

The crop species, like wheat, corn, rice and other have also benefited immensely from human cultivation. The wild counterparts of broccoli and banana are not nearly as successful.

There are also species who have been able to expand their range as the human ecosystem pushes competitors farther afield. Coyotes, raccoons, opossums, tree squirrels, house sparrows, starlings, and even white tailed deer have all benefited as the human ecosystem takes over what was formerly plains or forest ecosystem. Other species like elms, palm trees, oaks and ash used to line our city streets have also expanded their range.

While it's not exactly great for biodiversity, the human ecosystem does certainly benefit some organisms. Without us Plasmodium (the protozoan that causes Malaria) wouldn't be nearly as successful as it is.

So the Earth itself would certainly survive quite nicely without us, but that entire ecosystem of cows, wheat, cockroaches and kitty cats would be wiped out without us. In many ways, we are a keystone species in our ecosystem. It's just too bad that we seem to be insistent on replacing EVERY other ecosystem with our own.

Answer 2

It depends upon your frame of reference. For instance, to the earth, it is not necessary. It is even arguably harmful for humans to be there.

If your viewpoint is that of humanity, then it is necessary, at least until you guys find other planets or systems that can support you.

If your viewpoint is that of a worm living at the bottom of the ocean near a deep ocean floor vent, then the position would be neutral, for now. Once you begin to harm that far reach of your planet, though, I'm sure the worm will wish you humans didn't exist on Earth.

Just don't come here to Mars and screw it all up for us too.

Answer 3

Of course not, the Earth existed without humans for ages.

Answer 4

You might want to read the Anthropic Principle. Sort of the long version of does a falling tree make sound if there is no one around to hear it?
Earth wouldn't have a name for one. Berkely says things need an observer to exist.

Answer 5

I'd say no. We're at the top of the food chain (usually) so by removing the top threat, then all the direct prey will become the predators, then it is up to them to see who will be the new top of the food chain. It would take time to balance out but humans are by no means required to be on earth. And eventually we won't be.

Answer 6

Humans are the top of the food chain. Except in Lost. What the hell is that mad smoky creature anyway?

Answer 7

Is it necessary for anything to exist?

Necessary for whom, is what I ask you.

Answer 8

We exist, that's good enough for us, necessary or not we don't really care. lol

Answer 9

No. The planet would live and thrive just fine without us. We don't contribute to the ecosystem or any of that... we just hurt it.

Answer 10

Absolutely not...but so long we can't find any other planet to support life at this grandeur scale...we have no choice...now do we?