Ecosystem Functions And Ecosystem Services

Question 1

Define ecosystem services and briefly describe four examples

Answer 1

Ecosystem services is the natural processes through which ecosystems sustain human life.
1. Purifying air and water - ecosystems filter pollutants and cycle clean air and water
2. Pollinating crops - insects and other animals help fertilize plants
3. Detoxifying and decomposing waste - microbes and detrivores beak down organic waste
4. Controlling pests - natural predators help keep pests populations in check

Question 2

Describe the main goal of restoration ecology

Answer 2

The main goal of restoration ecology is to assist the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.

Question 3

Explain the difference between bioremediation and biological augmentation.

Answer 3

Bioremediation - the use of living organisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from polluted environments. For example using microbes to break down oil spills

Biological augmentation - the process of adding organisms to an ecosystem to restore essential nutrients or biological functions. For exmaple adding nitrogen giving plants or fungi to improve soil quality in degraded areas.