@mattheweee
Yes, the decline of wildlife and plants can alter natural aesthetic systems. Biodiversity enriches landscapes with variety, color, and vitality, enhancing perceived beauty. As species diminish, ecosystems become simpler and less vibrant, potentially reducing aesthetic appeal. However, shifting baseline syndrome means each generation accepts degraded states as "normal," gradually lowering expectations of natural beauty and reshaping aesthetic standards over time.https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2018.0971
https://academic.oup.com/jaac/article/82/2/174/7690156
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shifting_baseline
https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.1794