Question

t the science of biology
the map shows the range and distribution of the western north pacific gray whale.
image: map with labels russia, china, japan, south korea, canada, united states, mexico; key: “range/distribution of western north pacific gray whale”
whales were hunted nearly to extinction primarily for their blubber, which was burned in oil lamps to light buildings. whale oil lamps have been replaced by electric lighting, but the survival of the western north pacific whale population is not guaranteed. do you think it could be ethical to hunt a species to extinction to meet the needs and wants of human society?

Explanation:

Hunting a species to extinction for human needs is unethical. Species play roles in ecosystems (e.g., gray whales in marine food webs). Extinction disrupts balance, and human needs can be met via sustainable alternatives (like electric lighting replaced whale oil lamps). Ethical principles prioritize biodiversity and non - human life.

Answer:

It is unethical to hunt a species to extinction to meet human needs and wants. Species have ecological roles, and extinction disrupts ecosystems. Sustainable alternatives exist, so prioritizing short - term human desires over long - term biodiversity and ecological balance is morally wrong.