Summary
Benefits humans receive from ecosystems, such as pollination, water purification and climate regulation.
In depth
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) listed provisioning (food, water), regulating (climate, flood), supporting (soil formation) and cultural services. Studies estimate their value at tens of trillions of dollars per year.
Valuing services supports conservation decisions, though not all values are monetary. Payments for ecosystem services reward land managers for stewardship.
Key idea: nature supplies benefits that cost money to replace.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ecosystem Services?
Benefits humans receive from ecosystems, such as pollination, water purification and climate regulation.
Which area of biology covers Ecosystem Services, and how advanced is it?
Ecosystem Services is one of the 54 topics in Ecology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Plant-Pollinator Networks, Eutrophication, Carrying Capacity.
Can you give an example of Ecosystem Services?
New York City protected Catskill watersheds rather than build a filtration plant.
What should I learn before Ecosystem Services?
Work through the Beginner topics in Ecology first, such as Ecology, Ecosystem, Biotic and Abiotic Factors, then return to Ecosystem Services. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Ecosystem Services?
The closest topics to Ecosystem Services are Plant-Pollinator Networks, Eutrophication, Carrying Capacity, Nitrogen Cycle. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Ecosystem Services?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Ecosystem Services. To practise the whole of Ecology, use the Ecology quiz.
How is Ecosystem Services different from Plant-Pollinator Networks?
Ecosystem Services: Benefits humans receive from ecosystems, such as pollination, water purification and climate regulation. Plant-Pollinator Networks: Mutualistic webs typically nested, with specialists interacting with subsets of generalists' partners. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Ecosystem Services step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Plant-Pollinator Networks and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Ecology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.