Since its origin, humanity has used the flora and fauna in various ways, as food, drink, medicine, clothing, building materials and fuel. However, from ancient times this use of nature has had positive and negative consequences at various scales.

Mankind has taken advantage of genetic variability to produce varieties of plants and animals with characteristics more suitable for use. We can identify maize, chile, beans, and squash as examples, along with the various animal species domesticated for heavy work, meat, and company. At present, knowledge about the genetic code has allowed the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The use of wild species has resulted in changes in their abundance and distribution, to the point that some have disappeared. Many species endemic to islands were exterminated directly or indirectly by the Polynesian colonizers, such as the giant birds known as moas (Dinornis robustus) in New Zealand. Conversely, other invasive species have been favoured and have increased their distribution and abundance, as in the case of the black (Rattus rattus) and grey (R. norvegicus) rats from Asia.

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