Ecosystem Services Flashcard

Front

What are ecosystem services?

Back

Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.

Front

What is a provisioning service?

Back

Provisioning services are the products obtained from ecosystems, such as food, fresh water, wood, fiber, and genetic resources.

Front

What is a regulating service?

Back

Regulating services are the benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, such as climate regulation, water purification, and disease control.

Front

What is a cultural service?

Back

Cultural services are the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including recreational, aesthetic, and spiritual benefits.

Front

What is a supporting service?

Back

Supporting services are the services that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services, such as soil formation, nutrient cycling, and primary production.

Front

Give an example of a provisioning service.

Back

An example of a provisioning service is the harvesting of fish from oceans for food.

Front

Give an example of a regulating service.

Back

An example of a regulating service is the role of wetlands in filtering pollutants from water.

Front

Give an example of a cultural service.

Back

An example of a cultural service is the enjoyment of nature through hiking, birdwatching, or photography.

Front

Give an example of a supporting service.

Back

An example of a supporting service is the pollination of plants by bees, which is essential for food production.

Front

How do ecosystems contribute to climate regulation?

Back

Ecosystems contribute to climate regulation by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus helping to stabilize the climate.