This story from the United Kingdom provides another answer to the age-old biological question of what "value" does a plant or animal have.
LONDON (Reuters) - The ability of zebrafish to regenerate damaged retinas has given scientists a clue about restoring human vision and could lead to an experimental treatment for blindness within five years.
Once again some obscure creature is shown to have substantial "value" to humankind. I'd prefer that species of plants and animals have value just because they are but most of society doesn't recognize the intrinsic value of just being. What the hell. If it takes putting a dollar value on a clam or an orchid or a fish to ensure that its habitat remains so it can benefit humankind, I'll take it.
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