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GO
THERE
Every ecosystem on Earth plays an essential and interconnected
part in the health of the planet. Here in the Pacific Northwest,
we live in a beautiful
environment that is abundant with natural resources in the valleys,
forests, mountains and waterways.
Because
the habitats that plants and animals depend upon ultimately sustain
humans as well, it is important that we are aware of and protect
every ecosystem. Let's visit four major ecosystems around the
world
to understand the importance of biodiversity and the close connection
among plants, animals, the environment and humans.
Let's
go to a
tropical forest.
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25%
of all prescription medicines in the U.S. have active
ingredients derived from plants. Only 5% of all
plants have been studied for medicinal use (Window
on the Wild, World Wildlife Fund, 1994).
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