fifth or more of the species of plants and animals could vanish or be doomed to early extinction by the year
2020 unless better efforts are made to save them.... As the last forests are felled [destroyed] in forest
strongholds like the Philippines and Ecuador, the decline of species will accelerate even more. In the world
as a whole, extinction rates are already hundreds or thousands of times higher than before the coming of
man. They cannot be balanced by new evolution in any period of time that has meaning for the human race.
Why should we care? What difference does it make if some species are extinguished, if even half of all the
species on earth disappear? Let me count the ways. New sources of scientific information will be lost. Vast
potential biological wealth will be destroyed. Still undeveloped medicines, crops, pharmaceuticals, timber,
fibers, pulp, soil-restoring vegetation, petroleum substitutes, and other products and amenities will never
Come to light.
Based on the excerpt, which statement best summarizes the author's beliefs about the disappearing species?
The loss of plant species and habitats will lead to widespread animal extinction.
The loss of plant species and habitats will lead to environmental problems in remote regions.
The loss of plant species and habitats will displace animals and decrease human wealth.
The loss of plant species and habitats will devastate animals and hinder human progress.

The author's beliefs about the disappearing species can be summarized as follows:

- The loss of plant species and habitats will devastate animals and hinder human progress.
- The author emphasizes the importance of preserving species by highlighting the negative consequences of their disappearance.
- By mentioning the extinction rates being hundreds or thousands of times higher than before human impact, the author underscores the severity of the situation.
- The excerpt points out that the decline of species will accelerate with the destruction of forests in strongholds like the Philippines and Ecuador, indicating a sense of urgency in addressing the issue.
- Additionally, the author argues that the disappearance of species will lead to the loss of scientific information, biological wealth, and potential resources like medicines, crops, and other valuable products, which could hinder human advancement and well-being.

In summary, the author's perspective is that the loss of plant species and habitats will have far-reaching negative effects on both animals and human society, impacting various aspects of life and potentially hindering future progress and development.