Ecosystem Services – Class 12 | Chapter – 14| Biology Short Notes Series PDF

Ecosystem Services: Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from the natural environment. They are the result of the ecological processes and functions that sustain life on earth, and they play a critical role in supporting human well-being.

Important Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are essential for human survival and well-being, and it is important to understand their value and take measures to protect and conserve them for future generations. Some of the most important ecosystem services include:

  • Provision of food and water: Ecosystems provide a source of food and water for human populations, including crops, livestock, fish, and wild game.

  • Climate regulation: Ecosystems help regulate the Earth’s climate by storing carbon and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, as well as by influencing local weather patterns and reducing the impacts of extreme weather events.
  • Water filtration and regulation: Wetlands, forests, and other ecosystems help filter and regulate the flow of water, reducing the risk of floods and droughts and improving water quality.
  • Soil formation and fertility: Ecosystems help to maintain soil health and fertility, providing essential nutrients for crops and other vegetation.
  • Biodiversity: Ecosystems are critical for the preservation of biodiversity and the support of countless species of plants and animals.
  • Recreational and cultural values: Ecosystems provide opportunities for recreation and tourism, as well as cultural and spiritual values, such as scenic beauty, spiritual inspiration, and cultural heritage.
  • Pollination: Many ecosystems provide important pollination services, supporting the production of food and fiber crops.

Types of Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from the natural environment. They can be classified into four main categories:

  • Provisioning services: These include the production of food, fiber, fuel, and fresh water, as well as the regulation of the water cycle and the soil’s ability to store and release water.
  • Regulating services: These include the regulation of the climate, air quality, disease, and pests, as well as the pollination of crops, the decomposition of waste, and the storage of carbon in forests.
  • Supporting services: These include the formation of soil, the pollination of crops, the decomposition of waste, and the photosynthesis that provides the base of the food chain.
  • Cultural services: These include the recreation and tourism opportunities provided by natural areas, as well as the spiritual and aesthetic values of ecosystems and their biodiversity.


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By Team Learning Mantras