Interdependency between organsims on our planet and its relation to ecosystem?

Question

I am not a biologist but I just wonder if all species are interdependent. I mean if the tiger becomes extinct does it affect the ecosystem? If the mosquito or mouse become extinct does it affect the environment and us? I am asking because this question was raised by one of my friends when I was in favor of protecting tigers, lions but I had no answer to "**tiger extinction will not affect humans**". So, is it true that the extinction of any species will affect all other species?

Answer 1

The very basic idea of ecology is that all things matter and that all things are interdependent. Research the Butterfly Effect.

Without predators, prey species overpopulate their habitat, sicken and face serious survival challenges as both individuals and species.

Without prey, predator species die out.

If a "hole" is created because a species dies out, another species will move in to occupy that space.

Nature will always rebalance itself. That is the scientific explanation.

Ethics and aesthetics also come into play. What kind of monster would allow the majestic tiger to disappear when the extinction process may be reversible?

Lastly, humans do not exist outside of the natural world. When nature rebalances, we may find that our own survival is now in jeopardy.