[reddytowns]

In both cases, the planet would carry on. It depends on your perspective as to which matters more, human intelligence and knowledge, or nature. I personally believe the former is more important than the latter, although that doesn't mean I don't value the latter as well.

[ominous]

Evolution does not select for (y)our ideas of "importance".

[reddytowns]

So? Human beings have the ability to make a huge impact on the environment, and therefore the value assigned by people to various outcomes and tradeoffs does matter.