Why are animals so important to us humans?

Question

How does extinction affect us humans?

Answer 1

Food (see overfishing). Also, animals (pelts, cattle) may be considered as a form of wealth.

Answer 2

Obvious reasons, like food, subjects of research, human companionship, entertainment (unfortunately, like at circuses).

However, I think that some people perceive a kind of innocence and hope in animals that humans can never attain. It's debatable whether animals have a sense of morality, but there are definitely people who have let us down or betrayed us. Animals don't do that.

Further, animals are objects to admire. Think of the comparisons we make to certain attributes of animals that serve as compliments: quick as a fox, eyes like an eagle, strong as a bear, etc. We find qualities to which we can strive in animals - they're models of perfection that, consequently, keep us humble in reminding us of our own downfalls.

Answer 3

If any animals could read and write, they would certainly ask the same about us. And, they might all conclude they would be better off if humans were extinct.

Humans are egotistical enough to think they are the most important living entities. We aren't. In fact the world would be better off if our evolutionary line had died out a couple million years ago.

Answer 4

Research, clothing, companionship, food, religion, mystery, learning, work, hunting, ecotourism, and models.

Extinction is permanent. Like loosing a close friend or love one. Leaves a vacuum. Sometimes has unforeseen effects.

Answer 5

cant eat extinct animals

Answer 6

they are a source of food, companionship for us human.... extinction of them will cause a depletion in food, and loneliness to us!

Answer 7

Its guilt that that makes us want to save endangered animals its guilt because we know that we are usually responsible for that breed dying out so we want to help them