Answers the question according to the text below.
TEXT VI
Why are animals important to human beings?
There are a number of reasons why animals are important to human beings. The main
reason is that animals benefit us personally, socially and economically.
Since the time of our cavemen ancestors, there have been interactions between humans and
animals. Animals can be our friends, companions, protectors, benefactors and comforters.
Research studies indicate that people who own pets and have close bond with them have
higher self-esteem. They are also generally happier and healthier. There are many reported
cases in which pets protected their owners and family members. In the United States, a pet
dog alerted its owners that their babysitter was abusive. A couple who hired a babysitter to
take care of their baby noticed that their pet dog was aggressive to the babysitter. Upon
investigation, they discovered that their child was abused by the babysitter.
Animals provide many other benefits to humans. Insulin, a hormone in our body which
controls the amount of sugar absorbed by our blood, could not be artificially produced
previously. It had to be derived from cows and pigs. Nowadays, even though animal
insulin has largely been replaced by artificial human insulin, the former is still available on
prescription. Trained guide dogs are available to serve as loyal companions and ‘pairs of
eyes’ for the blind. In the past, hunters took along hunting dogs to track, sniff out and catch
wild game. When night fell, the canines were the hunters’ companions and protectors. In
rehabilitation centers, animals are used to help the sick recover. For instance, petting a
pony helps to lift a sick child’s spirit.
Throughout history, animals have helped humans. We use animals to work for us. In the
agricultural sector, oxen pull ploughs before seeds are planted in the soil. We use horses
for transportation purposes. They pull carriages and covered wagons for us. Even though
oxen and horses are rarely used for farming and travelling purposes respectively today, the
horses are still being used for riding and racing. They are also used to participate in
contests in order to win awards. Farmers depend on animals such as cattle, poultry, sheep,
goats, among others, for their horses are rarely used for farming and travelling purposes
respectively today, the horses are still being used for riding and racing. They sell the
animals’ meat, milk and eggs to earn money. In the fishing industry, although the use of
modern equipment and technology have replaced the use of animals to catch fish,
fishermen in some parts of the world still use animals like dolphins, otters and cormorants
for the purpose.
Another indirectly way in which animals help us is that they assist in the reproduction of a
variety of fruit and vegetable crops, which are an important part of our healthy diet.
Without animals to help disperse seeds and pollinate plants, many of them would have
become extinct.
In conclusion, animals are important to human beings because they benefit us socially,
personally as well as economically. Since they are of great benefit to us, we should treat
them well.
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