Human Impacts on the Environment

What are the benefits that natural ecosystems provide to humans, such as filtering water and producing food, collectively called?

• Environmental benefits

• Ecological functions

• Ecosystem services

• Natural resources

Which of the following is an example of a provisioning service provided by ecosystems?

• Decomposing dead organisms

• Filtering air

• Producing fuel

• Regulating climate

Why is high biodiversity important for ecosystems?

• It makes ecosystems more susceptible to change.

• It increases the monetary value of the ecosystem.

• It makes ecosystems more resilient to disturbances.

• It reduces the need for human intervention.

What is an immediate consequence of cutting down a hectare of rainforest?

• Increased biodiversity

• Reduced number of species

• Improved water quality

• Decreased global warming

What are two factors that contribute to desertification?

• Deforestation and reduced rainfall

• Overgrazing by cattle and over-irrigation

• Increased biodiversity and reduced pollution

• Reforestation and decreased temperatures