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photo of an orcaGO THERE
Every ecosystem on Earth plays an essential and interconnected part in the health of the planet. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we live in a photo of a tidal poolbeautiful environment that is abundant with natural resources in the valleys, forests, mountains and waterways.

photo of sockeye salmonBecause the habitats that plants and animals depend upon ultimately sustain humans as well, it is important that we are aware of and protect every ecosystem. Let's visit four major ecosystems around the photo of a temperate forestworld to understand the importance of biodiversity and the close connection among plants, animals, the environment and humans.

nextLet's go to a
tropical forest.

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Bio-Fact

25% of all prescription medicines in the U.S. have active ingredients derived from plants. Only 5% of all plants have been studied for medicinal use (Window on the Wild, World Wildlife Fund, 1994).

 


 

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updated October 13, 1999

All text, images, sound, and video © 1999 King County and Howard Rosen Productions, Inc.