Chapter 56, Problem 56.1CR

Give at least three examples of key ecosystem services that nature provides for people.

Summary Introduction

To give: At least three examples of the ecosystem services that nature offers for the people.

Introduction: The important ecosystem services include the study of various species of organisms called genetic diversity. The second service includes the analysis of genotypic and phenotypic diversities in the animals, organisms, and insects found in the natural habitat like forests. The third key service includes the study of environmental diversity.

Explanation of Solution

The diversity of animals, plants, and insects is diverse. The role of animals is important in maintaining the equilibrium of the ecosystem and the natural habitat. The skin and fur of animals are important source of thermal regulation in organisms. The animal, plant, and insect products have aesthetic value in the cosmetic and beauty industry. Various plant products have medicinal value and are used for curing various diseases in the human body. The agricultural plants help in providing nutrition to humans in the form of food and fruits. The environmental diversity helps in studying the balance of nutrient cycles like carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen.

The advantages of key ecosystem services are as follows:

• Agricultural productivity increases due to crop rotation and nitrogen fixation in the soil.
• The food yield of the plant increases due to the method of hybridization.
• The higher and better varieties of animals provide milk and dairy products that are beneficial for the health of humans.
• Animal rearing and husbandry are helpful in agriculture.
• The yield of insects like lac and other secretions have aesthetic, beauty, and cosmetic values.
• Important experiments in animals help in the study of the effect of drugs.

Conclusion

A proper utilization of the natural resources with genetic, species, and environmental diversities are important for maintaining and conserving the environment. The cutting of trees, pollution, and the release of harmful chemical alter the climate leading to global warming. The balance of the ecosystem is important to prevent the extinction of plant and animal species.