Hm. How much of the "web" is interdependent and indispensable? Most of life on Earth, aside from lapdogs and some cockroaches seems to not need us humans. I recall, mainland China seemed to be willing at one time to get along without flies (try). Agri-chemicals have the clear upper hand in California, and elsewhere, don't they?

An opportunity beckons, to hold some controlled experiments in "evolution" with simplified inputs. That is, perhaps we will be getting a chance to learn what degree of biosphere complexity is indispensable as we ? eventually try to/get to/need to populate the planet Mars.

Scientifically, the "minds" are anticipating that we need to make sure "nothing" is there before we go and f--k, contaminate it (compare the non-smallpox resistant North Americans after Columbus).

OYOH, I see an opportunity to find out how simple a sustaining biosphere can really be, once we try to populate the place. And, whether really meaningful diversification of species occurs.