Humans cannot completely live without all other animals in several critical ways:
Ecological Balance: Animals play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, such as pollination, controlling pests, and serving as food for other species.
Food Chain: Many human food sources are dependent on animals either directly (meat, dairy, eggs) or indirectly (through the animals that pollinate crops).
Pollination: Some animal species, like bees and butterflies, are essential for pollinating plants, including many crop varieties that provide human food.
Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling: Animals contribute to the natural process of decomposition, which recycles nutrients back into the soil, supporting plant growth.
Medical and Scientific Research: Animals are vital in medical research, with many drugs and therapies tested on or derived from animals before they are used in humans.
Clothing and Materials: Many human-made materials and clothing items are sourced from animals, such as leather and wool.
Cultural and Social Significance: Animals have deep cultural and emotional significance for many societies, influencing art, religion, and social traditions.
Biodiversity: Human well-being is closely tied to biodiversity, and the loss of animal species can lead to diminished ecosystem services and resilience.
Agriculture: Domesticated animals are a key component of agriculture, providing labor (e.g., horses, oxen), fertilization, and by-products like manure.
Education and Recreation: Animals are also important in educational settings and for recreational activities, such as visiting zoos, wildlife parks, and aquariums.
While it is theoretically possible to create a society that is more independent of specific animal interactions (for example, through synthetic materials and lab-grown foods), the consequences of complete independence would likely be detrimental to both human society and the environment. Human survival and well-being are deeply interconnected with the health and diversity of the natural world.