Chapter 7: Problem 5

What is an "ecosystem service"? Describe three such services provided by forests.

Short Answer

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An ecosystem service is any benefit that humans receive, directly or indirectly, from the environment and its natural processes. Forests provide numerous ecosystem services, such as air purification by absorbing harmful gases and releasing oxygen; water filtration and regulation through absorption, filtering, and transpiration; and biodiversity maintenance by providing shelter, food, and habitat for a wide variety of species, which contribute to ecosystem functioning and resilience.

Step by step solution

Definition of Ecosystem Service

An ecosystem service refers to any benefit that human beings receive, directly or indirectly, from the environment and its natural processes, such as water filtration, nutrient cycling, and the production of resources like food and raw materials. Ecosystem services are essential aspects of our well-being and are crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable planet.

Ecosystem Service 1: Air Purification

Forests act as natural air purifiers, removing pollutants and particulate matter from the air. Trees absorb harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, through their leaves, and release fresh oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. By filtering out these contaminants and improving air quality, forests play a significant role in maintaining a healthy environment and combating climate change.

Ecosystem Service 2: Water Filtration

Forests also play a critical role in water filtration and regulation. Tree roots absorb and filter water from rainfall and snowmelt, removing pollutants and sediment before the water enters rivers, streams, and underground aquifers. This process helps maintain clean water supplies, reduce erosion, and mitigate the risk of flooding by slowing the flow of water through the landscape. Additionally, forests help recycle water back into the atmosphere through transpiration, contributing to the global water cycle and regulating climate.

Ecosystem Service 3: Biodiversity Maintenance

Forests are home to a tremendous variety of plant, animal, and fungal species, supporting rich and diverse ecosystems. By providing shelter, food, and habitat for countless organisms, forests play a fundamental role in maintaining global biodiversity. The conservation of this biodiversity is essential, as different species play crucial roles in ecosystem functioning and resilience. For instance, some species might act as pollinators, enabling the reproduction of plants, while others may break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil. This complex web of interactions between species helps ensure the stability and sustainability of our planet's ecosystems.

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What is an "ecosystem service"? Describe three such services provided by forests.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of Ecosystem Service

Ecosystem Service 1: Air Purification

Ecosystem Service 2: Water Filtration

Ecosystem Service 3: Biodiversity Maintenance

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