Ecosystem Services - AP Environmental Science

Non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Intangible benefits that enhance quality of life and well-being.

Cultural. Fishing for enjoyment provides non-material human well-being benefits.

Reduces natural habitat and biodiversity. Cities replace natural systems that provided essential services.

Climate regulation, flood control. Natural processes that maintain stable environmental conditions.

Cultural. Fishing for enjoyment provides non-material human well-being benefits.

Disrupts balance and function. Shifting conditions alter species composition and ecosystem productivity.

Absorb excess water. Wetland soils and vegetation naturally absorb floodwater overflow.

Degrades air quality and health. Pollutants reduce ecosystem's ability to purify air naturally.

Filter pollutants and sediments. Natural systems remove contaminants through biological and physical processes.

Habitat for pollinators. Open areas provide nesting sites and food for pollinating insects.

Enhances adaptability to change. Genetic variation provides resilience against environmental stresses.

Reduces soil fertility and crop yield. Loss of topsoil decreases agricultural productivity and water quality.

Supply of seafood. Marine ecosystems are the primary source of fish protein globally.

Supports growth of plants and organisms. Essential elements move through ecosystems enabling life processes.

Pollination of crops and wild plants. Essential for plant reproduction and maintaining food webs.

Can deplete soil nutrients. Intensive farming practices can exhaust soil nutrients over time.

Protect coastlines from erosion. They act as natural barriers reducing wave energy and storm damage.

Habitat for aquatic species. Rivers and lakes provide breeding and nursery areas for wildlife.

Services necessary for the production of all other services. Foundational processes that enable all other ecosystem functions.

Act as natural water filters. They trap sediments and remove pollutants from water naturally.

Absorb and store carbon dioxide. Plants capture carbon from atmosphere during photosynthesis.

Sustain fish populations. Clean marine environments support productive fisheries and biodiversity.

Protect shorelines, support biodiversity. Coastal trees provide storm protection and nursery habitat.

Spiritual significance for indigenous peoples. Sacred spaces provide connection to nature and cultural identity.

Reduces biodiversity and resilience. Loss of habitat reduces species diversity and ecosystem stability.

All categories are impacted. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation affect all ecosystem functions.

Reduces carbon storage and biodiversity. Tree removal eliminates carbon storage and habitat provision.

Carbon sequestration. Trees capture and store atmospheric carbon in biomass and soil.

Regulating. Bees and other pollinators control plant reproduction processes.