Questions and Answers
The long-eared jerboa has very long ______.
ears
The jerboa lives in the deserts of Mongolia and ______.
China
It hops like a ______.
kangaroo
The jerboa is classified as ______.
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People may value simply knowing that the ______ exists.
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The jerboa may have an intrinsic value that does not depend on what ______ want.
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Philosophizing is arguably ______ valuable, yet may also possess instrumental value.
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Happiness is often considered to have ______ value.
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The smallpox virus and HIV are living, yet we question their ______ value.
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Somewhere along the line, we stop ourselves from saying 'this is only valuable because it is a ______ to that.'
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Study Notes
Long-Eared Jerboa Characteristics
- A tiny nocturnal mammal found in the deserts of Mongolia and China.
- Notable for its exceptionally large ears, distinguished by one of the biggest ear-to-body ratios among mammals.
- Adaptations include little hairs on its feet resembling snow shoes, facilitating movement across sandy terrain.
- Often described as cute and comic in appearance.
- Classified as endangered, highlighting concerns for its survival.
Importance of Species Preservation
- Concern for endangered species typically revolves around promoting the existence of a species as a whole.
- Species can maintain existence even if individual members are rarely seen by humans.
- Potential benefits of preserving species include ecological balance and contributions to future pharmaceutical developments through genetic diversity.
- Humans derive pleasure from observing wildlife; the loss of species like the dodo illustrates the emotional impact of extinction.
Value Assessment of the Jerboa
- The jerboa may lack direct instrumental value for ecological or genetic research due to its elusive nature.
- Despite limited visibility, there is intrinsic value in knowing that the jerboa exists as part of Earth's biodiversity.
- Acknowledges that value can exist independent of human experience or desires, questioning the nature of value itself.
Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Value
- Preserves the idea that a species can have both intrinsic value (value in itself) and instrumental value (value as a means to an end).
- Intrinsic value is illustrated through examples like happiness, which is valued for its own sake.
- The discussion raises whether all living beings hold intrinsic value regardless of their impact on humans.
- Living entities such as viruses and mosquitoes provoke inquiries into the nature of intrinsic value, given their harmful effects on humans.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of the long-eared jerboa, a tiny nocturnal mammal found in the deserts of Mongolia and China. With its impressive ear-to-body ratio and unique adaptations for desert life, this species is not only cute but also endangered. Discover why conservation efforts are crucial for protecting this remarkable creature.
