Questions and Activities
Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.
The chapter explains that ecosystem functions are Nature's inherent ways of working, and when these benefit humans they are called 'ecosystem services'. Using the forest example the chapter provides, the following ecosystem functions serve humans:
1. Filtering and purifying water — forests naturally filter water, providing clean water to humans.
2. Preventing soil erosion — forests hold soil in place, protecting farmland.
3. Providing habitat for animals — forests support biodiversity, including pollinators.
4. Pollinating crops — animals that live in forest habitats (such as bees) pollinate crops humans rely on for food.
5. Producing oxygen — a mature tree produces about 275 litres of oxygen per day, supporting human and animal life.
Answer: Five ecosystem functions that serve humans: (1) water filtration, (2) soil erosion prevention, (3) providing animal habitat (supporting pollinators), (4) crop pollination, and (5) oxygen production.