genomes to ecosystems lecture 2- goods and services Flashcards
what is an ecosystem?
the biological community that occurs in some locale + the physical, climatological and chemical conditions that make up its non living/ abiotic environment + their interactions
what are abiotic compounds?
the physical environment such as
-sunlight
-temperature
-precipitation
-substrate type
-chemistry
-soil or water
what are biotic compounds?
the community such as
-primary producers
-herbivores
-carnivores
-omnivores
what is ecosystem functions
Ecosystem functions are the primary ecosystem processes of capturing, storing and transferring energy, carbon dioxide, nutrients and water
what are ecosystem processes?
Energy transfer
Nutrient cycling
Water cycling
CO2 cycling
Nutrient uptake/release
Decomposition
Water uptake/evapotranspiration
Photosynthesis
Herbivory
Pollination
Predation/paracitism/pathogen attack
what is ecosystem functioning?
Ecosystem functioning refers to the capacity of ecosystems to carry out the primary ecosystem processes of capturing, storing and transferring energy, CO2, nutrients and water
what is energy transfer?
energy is passed on through the digestion of other organisms but through each digestion heat is lost due to heat, undigested materials and waste
what is ecosystem goods and services?
The Earth’s ecosystems provide humanity with a wide range of
benefits known as ‘ecosystem goods and services’.
In the past, societies often failed to take account of the importance of ecosystems. They were frequently regarded as public property… and were consequently undervalued.
what is the millennium ecosystem assessment?
In 2000, the United Nations launched a global Millennium Ecosystem Assessment initiative (MA)
2/3 of Earth’s ecosystem services are in decline or threatened
what is supporting services?
processes that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services, nutrient dispersal and cycling, seed dispersal and primary production
what are regulating services?
benefits obtained from ecosystem processes that help regulate natural phenomena
what are provisioning services or goods?
they are obtained from ecosystems
what do these depend on?
the beneficiaries themselves as
natural resources/ ecosystems. goods and services –> beneficiaries- people, farmers, government etc –> environmental, natural resource management –> natural capital so ecosystem structures and processes
what are cultural services?
nonmaterial benefits from people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development,t reflection, recreation and aesthetic experiences
what are examples of goods?
Food, crops, wild foods, spices
Water
Minerals (including diatomite)
Energy (hydropower, biomass fuels)
Raw materials
Genetic resources
Medicinal resources
Ornamental resources
what are examples of cultural services?
-Heritage values
-Cultural identity
-Spiritual services (sacred, religious, or other forms of spiritual inspiration derived from ecosystems)
-Inspiration (use of natural motives or artifacts in art, folklore, etc.)
-Aesthetic appreciation of natural and cultivated landscapes
-Recreation and tourism
-Scientific discovery
what are examples of supporting services?
Services that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services..
Soil formation
Photosynthesis
Nutrient cycling
Biomass production
Oxygen production
Water cycling
Provisioning of habitat
what are examples of regulating services?
The benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes…
Carbon sequestration
Waste recycling
Water cleansing
Regulation of climate
Regulation of the water cycle
Regulation of human diseases
what do humans threaten by anthropogenic activities?
Community structure & composition- Abiotic environment, ecosystem processes, ecosystem functions and ecosystems good and services
what did the European environment agency highlight?
the need for ecosystem accounting techniques to quantify in monetary terms the impacts on ecosystem goods and services
This data should feed into policy-making and local management of natural resources
what were the latest global advancements in 2024?
Enhanced Valuation of Ecosystem Services: New valuation models to quantify the economic and non-economic benefits of ecosystems. Governments are increasingly using these to inform policies - United Nations Environment Programme
UNEP Global Resources Outlook 2024. The report highlights how unsustainable resource extraction and consumption are driving the planetary crisis. It calls for innovative solutions that promote sustainable use of natural resources - United Nations Environment Programme
Ecosystem Services Partnership, Europe 2024 conference will focus on how ecosystem degradation affects global health outcomes, as well as how ecosystem restoration and management can promote better health and well-being - ESP Europe 2024 - Homepage
