Biodiversity Ecosystem Services and Threats

A set of flashcards covering ecosystem services, threats to biodiversity, and key statistics related to the decline in biodiversity.

What are provisioning services in ecosystems?

Tangible 'goods' that ecosystems supply, such as fresh water, timber, fish, and medicinal plants.

What do regulating services in ecosystems provide?

Natural processes that maintain stable environmental conditions, such as flood control and water purification.

What are supporting services in ecosystems essential for?

Background ecological functions that enable all other services, including nutrient cycling and soil formation.

What do cultural services in ecosystems encompass?

Benefits that enrich people's lives, including recreation, spiritual value, and cultural identity.

What is the Living Planet Index (LPI)?

A measure that tracks the abundance of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians globally.

What is the average global decline in vertebrate population sizes between 1970 and 2016?

68% decline on average worldwide.

Which region has experienced the largest drop in biodiversity according to the LPI?

Latin America & Caribbean, with a 94% decline.

What does the acronym HIPOC stand for regarding threats to biodiversity?

Habitat Destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Overharvesting, Climate Change.

What is the greatest cause of biodiversity loss?

Habitat Destruction/Change, leading to the inability of organisms to survive.

What major factors contribute to habitat loss?

Agriculture, human population growth, urban development, and resource gathering.