M3 Ecosystem processes

Question 1

Processes

Answer 1

Nitrogen fixation, predation, pollination, herbivory, decomposition, primary production.

Question 2

Key concepts

Answer 2

Diversity, stability, optimal foraging theory, pollinator limitation, exploiter mediated coexistence, trophic cascade, intermediate disturbance hypothesis.

Question 2

Contingent valuation surveys

Answer 2

Determine how much we would expect to pay to restore or replace an ES if it didn’t exist. This also means side costs (pubs, cafes, entrance fees).

Question 2

The millennium ecosystem assessment 2003 (MEA)

Answer 2

Provisional services (things obtained from Ecosystem), regulating services (benefits obtained from regulation), supporting services (similar, necessary for the rest of the ecosystem), cultural services (non-material benefits like spiritual stuff or education).

Question 2

Costanza et al. 1997

Answer 2

Global scale ES provision. Annual average between 16-45 trillion US dollars per year.

Question 2

Definition

Answer 2

monetary value given to key natural processes (making it a service to us from nature).