Final answer:
Two key environmental benefits of maintaining forest ecosystems are the purification of air, which includes absorbing CO2 and other pollutants, and the support of biodiversity that is essential for ecosystem resilience and the provision of various ecosystem services.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two environmental benefits of maintaining forest ecosystems, aside from those related to water quality, are the purification of air and support of biodiversity.
Forests play a crucial role in the purification of air by absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants, which helps to mitigate climate change and maintain a stable climate. This benefit is essential for human health as well as the health of the planet.
In terms of biodiversity, forests provide habitat for a wide array of species. This biodiversity is vital for ecosystem resilience and the provision of ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and the maintenance of soil fertility. The presence of diverse species within forests contributes to the overall health of the planet and can even have economic benefits by supporting industries like agriculture and tourism.