The loss of one species can have unforeseen
consequences for many others since our systems
are connected by a complex web of interactions.

I'm hoping that such an ecosystem collapse is far
enough down the road for us to be able to forestall
it. It is difficult to make generalizations and
predictions. Unfortunately, early signs such as
habitat fragmentation and species loss in rainforests
and reefs are not good.

Here's a link that may be of interest:

http://theconversation.com/what-species-would-become-domiant-on-earth-if-humans-died-out-53340

The prediction seems to be - ants!

We are connected in a web of life. Which species is most important in the web? We place cuteness as a value. The icon of Australia is the cute koala. The disappearance of the koala would cause the disappearance of those species that are parasitic on the koala - possibly only those species. The disappearance of the honeybee would endanger all those species which depend on the bee for pollination. That would be catastrophic.

There is a website which lists 11 important species or types of organisms.

https://interestingengineering.com/science/11-vital-species-we-need-to-save-the-planet

The site lists bees, phytoplankton, fungi, menhaden, bats, earthworms, cyanobacteria, sharks, coral reefs, springtails and ants.

However, there is value in cuteness. If we save the koala we also save the trees which the koalas depend on. Perhaps we can think of species the way John Donne thinks of humans.

'No Man is an Island'

No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
own were; any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee

Perhaps the best outcome for most of the species on earth would be the departure of Homo sapiens.

"The prediction seems to be - ants!"

and "I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lcUHQYhPTE

Dear David F.,

If you haven't already seen it - the magnificent world
of wild-life comes to life on our TV screens tonight
on Channel 9 at 7.30 pm. TARONGA: WHOS WHO IN THE ZOO.

Naomi Watts continues as the narrator for this award
winning observational documentary series. It attempts to
look to a brighter future.

We get access to the keepers, vets, and support staff.
We follow them through all the highs and lows that come
with running one of the most successful zoos in the world
in Sydney.

At the forefront the focus is the animals. From breeding the
rarest rhino to leading the way in conservation and
research programs and feeding more than 5,000 residents a
day.

Nothing is more important than upholding the vision and
living philosophy of Taronga's key mission - working
together to ensure a shared future for wildlife and people.

I remember as a young girl - the thrill of my first elephant
ride at this zoo. Something I'll never forget.

Hi mhaze,

Brilli-Ant!