|
 |
The
Madagascar Perwinkle, Catharantus roseus Linnaeus (Apocynaceae),
contains chemicals which are used to successfully treat
childhood leukemia, a form of blood cancer. Many such plants
and animals with valuable pharmaceutical properties are
still hidden in forests, oceans, and other habitats waiting
to be discovered. |
|
The
four illustrated examples on the left reflect the following
points: (A) the Dodo Bird could have survived if
humans had the knowledge about its biosystematics. In fact,
thank to present knowledge (B) the Madagascar
Periwinkle is now highly valued; and (C) the Birdwing
Butterflies and Vu Quang Bovine are now protected.
Currently, litle is known about life on Earth; approximately
5% of the world's biological resources, or roughly 1.5
million out of an estimated 30 million species, are known to
science. Unfortunately, because of our rudimentary knowledge
of living things, we continue to waste and deplete the
earth’s irreplaceable biological resources at such a rate
that about one-half of existing life forms will become
extinct within our lifetime. Biosystematics is, therefore,
an essential science of the present and future needed for
continued discovery of living things.
Biosystematics knowledge of living organisms is essential
for programs designed to preserve the integrity and
well-being of the life-sustaining systems of the biosphere
and to benefit humanity, including:
(A)
comprehensive use, management, conservation and protection
of the earth's biological diversity and resources;
(B) preservation of the earth's ecosystems and
environments;
(C) development of human society in a sustainable
manner in order to preserve the vital equilibrium of nature;
(D) discovery and identification of new food sources,
genetic resources, environmental bio-indicators, biological
control agents, and organisms with medicinal and other
beneficial properties. |
| The Dodo Bird,
Raphus cucullatus (Raphidae) became extinct in 1680. The
extinction of this bird consequently endangers the existence
of another species, the Dodo Tree. In fact, in order to
germinate, seeds of this plant must first be cracked by the
beak of this bird, and then be abraded and partially
digested through the bird digestive tract. Man caused this
extinction solely due to ignorance and lack of knowledge,
not knowing the vulnerability of this flightless,
defenseless bird. |
|
