(SCIENCE) The International Union for Conservation of Nature has compiled a list of endangered organisms, and the number is startling. Nearly 20,000 different species of wildlife are now at risk of becoming extinct, according to the I.U.C.N.’s Red List. Just how important are these at-risk species? Many studies conducted have shown that healthy, abundant populations of organisms in any given ecosystem guarantee a flourishing environment. Another study showed that insects give 200 billions dollars by pollinating crops. Read on to discover just how important preserving our natural environment is, along with the species living in it. — Global Animal


























