If the world were to have no other animals except humans, several significant consequences would arise:
Ecological Impact: Animals are integral parts of various ecosystems, and their absence would disrupt ecological balance, leading to unforeseen cascading effects on plant life and habitats.
Loss of Biodiversity: Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem services, which include regulation of ecosystems, such as pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.
Pollination Issues: Many plants rely on insects and other animals for pollination. Without these pollinators, there would be a significant impact on agriculture and food production.
Disruption of Food Chains: The loss of animals would fundamentally alter food chains, with potential collapses of ecosystems that depend on predators, herbivores, and decomposers.
Decreased Soil Fertility: Many animals play roles in recycling nutrients and maintaining soil health, which is vital for plant growth.
Impact on Human Health: Some animals are essential for medical research and the development of new drugs, including those derived from substances found in animal venom or bodies.
Cultural and Psychological Effects: Animals have been a part of human culture and folklore throughout history. Their absence could lead to a sense of isolation and loss, affecting mental health and cultural richness.
Economic Implications: Industries that rely on animals, such as livestock farming, fisheries, and tourism, would collapse, leading to economic losses and unemployment.
Increased Disease Risk: Some animals can serve as reservoirs for diseases, and their absence might alter the dynamics of disease transmission among humans, potentially leading to unforeseen health crises.
Loss of Indicator Species: Animals often serve as indicators of environmental health. Without them, it would be harder to detect problems early.
Such a scenario would fundamentally change Earth's ecosystems and could have profound and largely negative impacts on the environment and human society.