Selecting 5 Essential Species to Preserve in a Post-Apocalyptic World

In a hypothetical scenario where all species are to become extinct, which organisms should humans prioritize to sustain life? This article explores the choices and details the roles each selected species can play in maintaining key ecosystem services.

Introduction to the Scenario

Losing all species would be catastrophic for our planet. Even in a dystopian future, retaining certain key organisms could help us maintain essential ecosystem services. This article discusses the importance of selecting five species that can support basic human needs and ecosystem balance.

Key Ecosystem Services

To justify the selection of species, understanding the essential ecosystem services is critical:

Nitrogen fixation Non-nitrogen fertilizers Carbon-dioxide scrubbing / oxygen generation Aquatic oxygen generation Erosion control Water filtration Decomposition Soil aeration Water denitrification Nutrition Construction materials Fiber for clothing for warmth Fuel for heating Shade for cooling Luxury for human sanity Pollination Livestock fodder Decomposition Soil aeration

Our Selection of Key Species

Based on the ecological roles and potential contributions to survival, the following five species are chosen:

Moringa Oleifera: A Multi-purpose Tree with Versatile Uses

Description: Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing tree that provides leaves, pods, and seeds which are rich in nutrients. Its wood can serve as a fuel and construction material, its seeds can provide cooking oil, and its leaves can clarify water.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Water filtration Nutrition Construction materials Fuel Shade Oxygenation Erosion control Fodder

Yellow Clover (Trifolium Repens): A Nitrogen-Fixing Ground Cover

Description: Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can sustain itself and provide protein. Its roots are excellent for erosion control, and its parts can be used post-harvest for fuel or fiber.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Nitrogen fixation Oxygen generation Erosion control Nutrition Fodder Fuel Potential for fiber

Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera): Pollinators and Food Sustainers

Description: Bees are essential for pollination and honey production. Honey can be fermented formead, and bees can serve as guardians of nitrogen-fixing trees and plants.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Nutrition Pollination Luxury

Duckweed (Wolffia Arrhiza): Aquatic Nitrate Detoxifiers and Sources of Protein

Description: Duckweed is a fast-growing aquatic plant that can denitrify and oxygenate water. It is also an excellent source of protein and can sustain tilapia.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Water denitrification Water oxygenation Water filtration Protein Fodder Fertilizer

Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus): Multi-functional Aquatic Herbivores

Description: Tilapia can survive almost anywhere and thrive on a diet of duckweed. They provide vitamin D and B12, and their bones can be used for needle-making.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Nutrition Luxury Fertilizer Construction materials

Conclusion

While this selection provides a bare-bones set of species to preserve, additional species could be added to enhance the ecosystem's stability and resilience. Each chosen species plays a vital role in sustaining life and maintaining key ecosystem services.

Related Keywords

post-apocalyptic species, ecosystem services, moringa, bees, duckweed