3.2.1 - the value and distribution of ecosystems

What is an ecosystem

A community of biotic and abiotic components such as air water and mineral soil

What is a biome

A large scale ecosystem such as a desert, tropical rainforest and termperate deciduous forest

What is biodiversity

The diversity of all living things on earth

supporting services

Ecosystems support all natural life on earth in a number of ways

Provisioning services

Ecosystems provide products we can use to ensure survival

Regulating services

Ecosystems regulate major global systems

What are cultural services

Ecosystems provide locations for and inspiration for a number of different cultural experiences

What are supporting services

• necessary for production of all other services

• Without it crops can’t grow

• Allows for nutrient cycling e.g, animals die and nutrients are returned to the soil

• Needed for primary production- photosynthesis is driver of life on earth

What are provisioning services

• most food comes from key ecosystems

• Filtration systems occur naturally

• Wood and fibre can be used for homes

• Fossil fuels provide fuel

• Medicines e.g. rose periwinkle is used to treat teenage leukaemia

What are regulating services

• climate regulation - influence local climate and air quality

• Carbon sequestration

• Water filtration - wetlands remove effluents and pathogens and decompose waste

• Pollinate plants which is essential for growth

• Disease control - predators can kill vectors

What are cultural services

• aesthetic- inspiration for art and fashion industry

• Spiritual - all religions speak of stewardship

• Connection to land for cultural tribes

• Tourism - culture generates money

• Educational importance - we are taught about it in school

Which service is the most important

Supporting services because without it any of the other wouldn’t be able to happen but also regulating because without it they wouldn’t last