Ecosystem Services - AP Environmental Science
- What is provisioning ecosystem service?
- Products obtained from ecosystems. Tangible resources directly harvested or extracted from natural systems.
- What is supporting ecosystem service?
- Services necessary for the production of all other services. Foundational processes that enable all other ecosystem functions.
- How does deforestation affect ecosystem services?
- Reduces carbon storage and biodiversity. Tree removal eliminates carbon storage and habitat provision.
- What is the role of bees in ecosystem services?
- Pollination of crops and wild plants. Essential for plant reproduction and maintaining food webs.
- Identify an ecosystem service provided by grasslands.
- Habitat for pollinators. Open areas provide nesting sites and food for pollinating insects.
- What is regulating ecosystem service?
- Benefits from ecosystem processes regulation. Natural processes that control environmental conditions affecting humans.
- What is the contribution of forests to water regulation?
- Regulate water flow and quality. Tree roots and canopy intercept rainfall and prevent runoff.
- Which type of ecosystem service is pollination?
- Regulating. Bees and other pollinators control plant reproduction processes.
- What is a consequence of overfishing on ecosystem services?
- Depletion of fish stocks. Excessive harvesting reduces fish populations below sustainable levels.
- Give an example of a provisioning service.
- Food, fresh water, fuel, fiber. Essential resources directly extracted from natural ecosystems for survival.
- Identify a supporting service provided by freshwater ecosystems.
- Habitat for aquatic species. Rivers and lakes provide breeding and nursery areas for wildlife.
- What is the primary provisioning service of oceans?
- Supply of seafood. Marine ecosystems are the primary source of fish protein globally.
- Identify the four categories of ecosystem services.
- Provisioning, Regulating, Cultural, Supporting. These represent the complete framework for categorizing all ecosystem benefits.
- How do ecosystems contribute to climate regulation?
- Absorb and store carbon dioxide. Plants capture carbon from atmosphere during photosynthesis.
- What are ecosystem services?
- Benefits humans obtain from ecosystems. These encompass all ways nature directly and indirectly benefits human well-being.
- Identify a regulating service provided by forests.
- Carbon sequestration. Trees capture and store atmospheric carbon in biomass and soil.
- What is the impact of urbanization on ecosystem services?
- Reduces natural habitat and biodiversity. Cities replace natural systems that provided essential services.
- Identify a benefit of healthy ocean ecosystems.
- Sustain fish populations. Clean marine environments support productive fisheries and biodiversity.
- What is cultural ecosystem service?
- Non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Intangible benefits that enhance quality of life and well-being.
- How does habitat destruction affect ecosystem services?
- Reduces biodiversity and resilience. Loss of habitat reduces species diversity and ecosystem stability.
- How does climate change alter ecosystem services?
- Disrupts balance and function. Shifting conditions alter species composition and ecosystem productivity.
- How does air pollution impact ecosystem services?
- Degrades air quality and health. Pollutants reduce ecosystem's ability to purify air naturally.
- How does agriculture impact ecosystem services?
- Can deplete soil nutrients. Intensive farming practices can exhaust soil nutrients over time.
- How does biodiversity support ecosystem services?
- Enhances resilience and productivity. More species create redundancy and stability in ecosystem functions.
- What is the significance of wetlands in flood control?
- Absorb excess water. Wetland soils and vegetation naturally absorb floodwater overflow.
- What role do wetlands play in regulating services?
- Act as natural water filters. They trap sediments and remove pollutants from water naturally.
- Which ecosystem service is affected by climate change?
- All categories are impacted. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation affect all ecosystem functions.
- What is the role of coral reefs in ecosystem services?
- Protect coastlines from erosion. They act as natural barriers reducing wave energy and storm damage.
- Give an example of a regulating service.
- Climate regulation, flood control. Natural processes that maintain stable environmental conditions.
- Give an example of a supporting service.
- Soil formation, nutrient cycling. Essential ecological processes that underpin all ecosystem functioning.
- Give an example of a cultural service.
- Recreation, aesthetic, spiritual values. Intangible benefits that enrich human experience and meaning.
- How do mangroves contribute to ecosystem services?
- Protect shorelines, support biodiversity. Coastal trees provide storm protection and nursery habitat.
- How does soil erosion affect ecosystem services?
- Reduces soil fertility and crop yield. Loss of topsoil decreases agricultural productivity and water quality.
- What is the significance of nutrient cycling in ecosystems?
- Supports growth of plants and organisms. Essential elements move through ecosystems enabling life processes.
- Identify a cultural service provided by forests.
- Spiritual significance for indigenous peoples. Sacred spaces provide connection to nature and cultural identity.
- What is the importance of genetic diversity in ecosystems?
- Enhances adaptability to change. Genetic variation provides resilience against environmental stresses.
- Which type of ecosystem service is recreational fishing?
- Cultural. Fishing for enjoyment provides non-material human well-being benefits.
- What role do ecosystems play in water purification?
- Filter pollutants and sediments. Natural systems remove contaminants through biological and physical processes.
- Which ecosystem service category does air purification belong to?
- Regulating. Plants and ecosystems naturally filter and clean atmospheric pollutants.