“To me, biodiversity means adventure. I am hunter-gatherer, tracking down rare unusual, and new species to tell the stories of their lives.” –Mark Moffett
I think that Mark Moffett’s quote was most inspiring because he describes how he feels like an adventurer. This idea is intriguing to me because I, myself view life as an adventure and attempt to experience as much as possible. The idea of going to a far-away place to search for animals that have never been discovered by science is exciting, and I would love to be a part of such adventure. In contrast, Moffett’s quote also brings me sadness. I think of all the animals that have gone extinct before we have gotten the chance to even see them, let alone scientifically classify them. Animals are going extinct at levels 1,000-10,000 times the natural rate. Extinction is a natural process and can be brought on naturally by disease, predation, and competition. These are not the things causing the high rates of extinction; it is humans that are doing this to the world. Although at the moment I am a college student unable to afford international travel, I hope to someday see the world and the thought that by the time I am able to afford travel 10,000s more species will have gone extinct is alarming to me. Growing up in Louisiana I have been no stranger to wildlife, and have experienced my own sense of adventure in my attempts to avoid the cockroaches. I have also experienced Louisiana biodiversity, my Mawmaw has a large garden which is very diverse in its plantings and while I know those plants did not naturally grow there, if the biodiversity of the world continues to shrink than my Mawmaw would be unable to purchase the seeds for the plants which grow in her garden. Before I read Moffett’s quote I had not truly considered that the only reason she has such a diverse, thriving garden is because people like Moffett went on an adventure to find such seed. When I think of her majestic garden being sacrificed I am hurt not...