Question

How many of the following can be considered as ecosystem services?
1. Regulation of air pollution
2. The beauty of mountains
3. Timber from forests
4. Erosion control

• A. 3
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 1

Answer 1

The correct option is C 4

Many products and benefits are provided by the ecosystem for the well-being of organisms on earth. Being a part of the ecosystem, humans derive lots of benefits from both biotic and abiotic components which can collectively be termed as ecosystem services.

There are the material benefits people get from ecosystems like supply of food, water, medicines, fibers, wood (timber) and fuels, etc. Along with this various ecosystem processes like pollination, the regulation of air quality and soil fertility, nutrient cycle, soil formation, living spaces for plants and animals, biodiversity, erosion control by the roots of trees, etc. are being carried in nature without one's attention.

There are non-material benefits also like aesthetic beauty such as the beauty of mountains, education, recreation and spiritual well-being, etc. Therefore, all the above mentioned services are the products of ecosystem processes called ecosystem services.