It is probable that we have all been brought up to recognise the interdependence of life on this planet.
This is one factor that underlies the continual concern expressed by naturalists about the extinction of species. It is not just that it reduces the variety of life that we appreciate so much, but threatens the balance in nature. Undoubtedly some of the claims are exaggerated, but we can understand the principle and, as Christians with a ‘creation mandate’ (Genesis 1.28), we treat the concern with respect.
Close relationships
But this close relationship between living species is very real as we start to look at specific cases. We see many examples of interdependence in the natural world. This raises an important question not just about the future survival but about the origin of these plants and animals.
