Question

define the term ecosystem services. give three examples of ecosystem services that people would have a hard time replacing if their natural sources were eliminated.

Answer 1

Ecosystem services are the conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems sustain and fulfill human life. Three examples of ecosystem services that would be hard to replace if their natural sources were eliminated are pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ecosystem services are the conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems sustain and fulfill human life. They include processes such as maintaining the water cycle, providing oxygen to the air, filtering pollutants from water, and pollinating crops. Three examples of ecosystem services that would be hard to replace if their natural sources were eliminated are:

1. Pollination: Bees and other pollinators play a crucial role in pollinating crops, which leads to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts that humans rely on for food.
2. Water purification: Wetlands and forests help purify water by filtering out pollutants, allowing us to have access to clean water for drinking and other purposes.
3. Climate regulation: Trees and other vegetation absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, helping to regulate the Earth's climate and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Answer 2

Ecosystem services refer to the benefits that humans obtain from the natural environment. Three examples of ecosystem services that would be challenging to replace if their natural sources were eliminated include pollination by bees, water purification by wetlands, and climate regulation by forests.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ecosystem services encompass the multitude of benefits derived from natural ecosystems that sustain and fulfill human needs. Pollination by bees, a crucial service for agriculture, is responsible for the reproduction of plants, ensuring crop yield and biodiversity. According to estimations by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 70% of major crops worldwide depend on insect pollination, chiefly by bees. Water purification, another vital service, is facilitated by wetlands.

Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants and impurities from water. They help in replenishing aquifers and ensuring clean water sources for communities. Approximately, wetlands purify and store 32% of global carbon, as reported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Forests, on the other hand, play a pivotal role in climate regulation. They sequester carbon dioxide, mitigate climate change impacts, and maintain atmospheric balance.

Forests are estimated to absorb about 2.4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, as per research by the Global Forest Resources Assessment. These three ecosystem services represent a fraction of the invaluable contributions nature provides, underscoring the irreplaceable role of natural sources in sustaining human well-being and ecological balance.