Rural Environments 5.2 The Goods and Services of Ecosystems

Question 1

what is meant by the term ecosystem? (3)

Answer 1

• consists of living organisms and their physical environments
• can range in size from a small pond to one of the biomes, or even the earth itself
• crucial aspect is that the living organisms and the physical environment are linked together (they often need eachother for survival and maintaining a balance)

Question 2

What are the inputs of an ecosystem? (6)

Answer 2

• gases
• minerals from weathered rocks
• rainfall
• gravity
• soil nutrients
• solar radiation

Question 3

what are the outputs of an ecosystem? (4)

Answer 3

• eroded soil
• water
• long-wave radiation/heat
• gases (CO2)

Question 4

what are some GOODS of forest ecosystems? (6)

Answer 4

• timber for building
• fuelwood
• fodder for animals
• food
• medicinal plants
• water

Question 5

what are some SERVICES of forest ecosystems? (6)

Answer 5

• removal of air pollutants
• emission of oxygen
• recycling of nutrients
• recycling of water
• maintaining biodiversity
• tourism

Question 6

what is the difference between goods and services of ecosystems? (2)

Answer 6

• goods are material things or products that can be taken directly from the ecosystem and put to use

while

• services are the long-term benefits that people can gain from ecosystems

Question 7

what are the four types of services of an ecosystem? (4)

Answer 7

• provisioning (supplying basic resources such as food and water)
• regulating (controlling climate through carbon cycle)
• supporting (such as cycling nutrients between biomass, litter, soil and water cycle)
• cultural (recreational and spiritual benefits)