Species are most likely conserved by humans if they possess what type of value?

The conservation of species often hinges on their instrumental value, which refers to the benefits or services that species provide to humans and ecosystems. This value can encompass a wide range of benefits including economic, ecological, and cultural contributions. For example, a species may be crucial for ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, or maintaining soil health, which are essential for agricultural productivity. Additionally, species with instrumental value may also provide resources, such as food, medicine, and raw materials, which make them important for human livelihoods and economic activities.

Species that possess strong instrumental value are more likely to gain conservation attention because the direct benefits they offer to human societies can motivate protective measures. This practical approach to conservation can lead to policies and actions that prioritize the preservation of such species, as their loss would directly impact human well-being or economic activities.

In contrast, while options like aesthetic value, institutional value, and intrinsic value are significant in various contexts, they do not carry the same immediate and practical appeal that instrumental value does when it comes to fostering human interest in conservation efforts. For instance, aesthetic value may inspire appreciation and enjoyment of nature, but it does not necessarily translate into actionable conservation. Intrinsic value pertains to the inherent worth of a species regardless of its utility