Ecosystem Services Benefits Supplied To Humans ✓ Solved

Ecosystem Services Benefits Supplied To Hum

Readings: 1. Ecosystem Services: Benefits Supplied to Human Societies by Natural Ecosystems. Natural ecosystems supply a vast array of goods and services to humans at no cost. Loss of these "ecosystem services" would be catastrophic to societies around the world. From this, you should be able to describe at least three (3) ecosystem services and threats to them.

2. Amphibian populations have been declining and exhibiting deformations. These indicator species reflect problems in the environment. From this, you should be able to identify human induced changes in the environment that affect amphibian populations.

Paper For Above Instructions

Ecosystem services are the myriad benefits that natural ecosystems provide to human societies, often without any direct cost. These services are essential for the sustenance of human life and well-being. The implications of losing such services are profound, affecting food security, health, and economic stability. In this essay, we explore three key ecosystem services: pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. We will also discuss the threats that these services face, particularly from human-induced activities.

Pollination

Pollination is a vital ecosystem service provided primarily by insects, birds, and other animals, fundamentally supporting global food production. It is estimated that one-third of food crops depend on animal pollination (Klein et al., 2007). The decline of pollinator populations poses a significant threat to this service. Factors such as habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, pesticide use, and climate change have drastically reduced pollinator populations, leading to a decline in the pollination services they provide (Potts et al., 2010). The implications of reduced pollination can be seen in decreased yields of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which directly impacts food availability and economic stability for farmers and communities reliant on agriculture.

Water Purification

Natural ecosystems, especially wetlands, forests, and watersheds, play a crucial role in the purification of water. They filter pollutants, sediments, and excessive nutrients from water bodies, contributing to improved water quality for human consumption and ecological health (Costanza et al., 1997). Urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural runoff significantly threaten these systems. When natural water systems are disturbed, their ability to effectively purify water diminishes, leading to increased waterborne diseases and higher costs for water treatment facilities (Brander et al., 2012). The degradation of these habitats not only adversely affects water quality but also undermines the health of aquatic ecosystems, further impacting human societies dependent on these resources.

Climate Regulation

Climate regulation is another critical service provided by ecosystems, particularly forests and oceans, which act as carbon sinks. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change impacts (IPCC, 2014). Deforestation and habitat degradation significantly diminish the capacity of these ecosystems to capture carbon, exacerbating global warming and altering weather patterns. Moreover, changes in land-use practices and increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities have led to climate fluctuations that further challenge the resilience of ecosystems (Mastrorillo et al., 2016). The consequences of climate change are felt worldwide, leading to extreme weather events, altered agricultural productivity, and increased competition for natural resources.

Threats to Ecosystem Services

The threats to ecosystem services, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species, are predominantly driven by human activities. Urbanization has led to the encroachment of natural habitats, resulting in biodiversity loss and the disruption of ecosystem functions (McKinney, 2002). Pollution from industrial waste and agricultural runoff continues to degrade air and water quality, putting pressure on both human health and ecosystem sustainability. Furthermore, climate change poses a dual threat; not only does it impact existing ecosystems but it also alters species distributions, leading to further ecological imbalances (Parmesan & Yohe, 2003). Addressing these threats requires a multi-faceted approach that includes conservation efforts, sustainable resource management, and public awareness campaigns to promote the value of ecosystem services.

Amphibian Populations and Human-Induced Changes

Amphibians serve as critical bioindicators of environmental health due to their sensitivity to pollutants, habitat destruction, and climate change. The decline in amphibian populations worldwide can be attributed to multiple human-induced factors. Habitat loss is one of the primary causes, as wetlands and forests are often drained or deforested for urban development and agricultural purposes, leading to fragmentation and loss of breeding grounds (Houlahan et al., 2000). Additionally, the introduction of pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals into aquatic ecosystems has shown to cause deformities and population declines in amphibians (Blaustein et al., 2003). Climate change further compounds these issues by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, impacting breeding cycles and survival rates. The loss of amphibians can have cascading effects through the ecosystem, disrupting food webs and contributing to the loss of biodiversity.

In conclusion, ecosystem services are crucial for human survival and well-being, providing essential benefits such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. However, these services are under threat from various human activities, highlighting the urgent need for conservation and sustainability efforts. Additionally, the alarming decline in amphibian populations signifies broader ecological issues that warrant immediate attention and action to safeguard the integrity of our ecosystems.

References

• Blaustein, A. R., Johnson, A. P., & Wright, H. A. (2003). Amphibian declines: an update. Biological Conservation, 112(3), 363-373.
• Brander, L. M., Van Beukering, P. J., & Ahlheim, M. (2012). The role of ecological economics in ecosystem services. Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, 14(4), 331-354.
• Costanza, R., d'Arge, R., de Groot, R., & Farber, S. (1997). The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature, 387(6630), 253-260.
• Houlahan, J. E., Findlay, C. S., & Schmidt, B. R. (2000). Quantitative evidence for global amphibian population declines. Nature, 404(6779), 752-755.
• IPCC. (2014). Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Working Group II Contribution to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
• Klein, A. M., Vaissière, B. E., Cane, J. H., & Steffan-Dewenter, I. (2007). Importance of pollinators in changing landscapes for world food production. Rural Development and Food Security, 274, 393-410.
• Mastrorillo, M., et al. (2016). Ecosystem services and climate change: a systematic literature review. Ecosystem Services, 26, 158-170.
• McKinney, M. L. (2002). Urbanization, biodiversity, and conservation. BioScience, 52(10), 883-890.
• Parmesan, C., & Yohe, G. (2003). A globally coherent fingerprint of climate change impacts across natural systems. Nature, 421(6918), 37-42.
• Potts, S. G., Biesmeijer, J. C., & Kremen, C. (2010). Global pollinator declines: trends, impacts and drivers. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 25(6), 345-353.