Unit 2 Ecosystem Services

Question 1

Ecosystem Services

Answer 1

Goods and services provided by natural ecosystems that are beneficial to humans (often monetarily of life-sustaining)

Question 2

Humans Disrupt Ecosystem Services

Answer 2

Human activities disrupt the ability of ecosystems to function, which decreases the value of ecosystem services they provide

This has ecological and economic consequences.

Question 3

Provisioning Services

Answer 3

Goods/products directly provided to humans for sale/use by ecosystems

Ex: Fish, hunting animals, lumber

Goods/products that are made from natural resources that ecosystems provide

Question 4

Regulating Services

Answer 4

Benefit provided by ecosystem processes that moderate natural conditions like climate and air quality

Ex Trees filter air by absorbing air pollutants which reduces health care costs for treating diseases like asthma and bronchitis

Question 5

Supporting Services

Answer 5

Natural ecosystems support processes we do ourselves, making them less costly and easier for us

Bees & other insects pollinate our ag. Crops, leading to more crop production & higher profits

Question 6

Cultural Services

Answer 6

Revenue from recreational activities (hunting/fishing licenses, park fees, tourism-related spending) & profits from scientific discoveries made in ecosystems (health/ag./educational knowledge)

Beautiful landscapes draw tourists who pay to enter parks, spend money at local stores/restaurants, or camping fees