As we continue to lose species at a rapid rate, we must discover which losses will have the
most deleterious consequences on ecosystems. At present, we know little, and what we do
have is information on short-term, small-scale experimental plots. We need to know more,
much more. It is vital to realize, then, that biodiversity does not mean simply the number
and kinds of living organisms present. Biodiversity depends upon the habitats and
ecosystems which support them. As John Muir said, “When we try to pick out anything by
itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.”