U2: 2.2 Flashcards
Describe ecosystem services
Benefits provided to humans by healthy ecosystems.
How many categories of ecosystem services are there?
4
Describe provisioning services
Goods from nature that humans can use directly.
Examples of provisioning services
Water (drinking water), wood (building lumber/burning for fuel), foods harvested from plants/animals, natural fibers for clothing, medicinal plants.
Describe regulating services
Ecosystem processess that help to regulate environmental conditions
Examples of regulating services?
Climate and air quality: plants filter water/air, food control by trees, rainforests/ocean remove carbon from the atmosphere, natural pest control by predators.
Describe cultural services
Non-material benefit that contributes to human advancement/development of culture.
Examples of cultural services
Intrinsic, aesthetic value of natural ecosystems! Inspiration for art/poetry/music, outdoor recreation, mental/physical well-being (think eARTh).
Describe supporting services
Underlying natural processes that make it possible for ecosystems to provide all other services.
Examples of supporting services
Soil formation, photosynthesis, water cycling, nutrient cycling (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.), habitats.
Define anthropogenic
Human-caused
What does it mean when humans disrupt ecosystem services?
Anthropogenic activites disrupt the ability of ecosystems to function, which decreases the value of ecosystem services they provide.
Examples of anthropogenic activities
Deforestation, overfishing/overharvesting, water pollution
