Ecosystem Services

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What are ecosystem services?

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

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What is provisioning service?

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

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What is regulating service?

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

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What is cultural service?

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

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What is supporting service?

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

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Give an example of provisioning service.

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An example of provisioning service is farmers growing cash crops for food and income.

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Give an example of regulating service.

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An example of regulating service is wetlands that slow down hurricane surges, protecting coastal areas.

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Give an example of cultural service.

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An example of cultural service is spending a day at the beach, which provides recreational enjoyment.

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List the four types of ecosystem services.

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The four types of ecosystem services are provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural.

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How do ecosystems contribute to food security?

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Ecosystems contribute to food security by providing provisioning services such as the production of crops, livestock, and fish.