(VII) When human beings first appeared on Earth about 2 million years ago, they lived in a world full of life. This world had millions of other species, including plants, animals, and fungi. Even early humans probably saw and enjoyed the beauty of nature. They may have admired colorful birds, green forests, and peaceful deserts. Our ancestors drew pictures of animals and plants, and experts believe they used nature in their rituals and traditions. Nature likely played a big role in shaping human culture and the way we think. Today, we still enjoy the beauty of living things. People keep pets and house plants, take photos of nature, and enjoy visiting parks and gardens. To us, some places seem more beautiful than others, and this often depends on the types of plants and animals living there and how they form natural communities. It is easy to imagine that life would be less enjoyable without the beauty of nature. Think of a world with only a few bird species or coastlines full of buildings. The beauty of nature is just one reason to protect Earth’s different plants and animals. Ecologists say that living things are also important for the health of the planet’s systems and that humans need many other species to survive.