Ecosystem Services Discussion Notes

Examples of Ecosystem Services

• Lumber

  • Trees provide lumber, which is an essential resource harvested from ecosystems.

• Food and Water

  • Ecosystems supply both food and clean water, fundamental resources for human survival.

• Pollination

  • Insects play a crucial role in pollination, which is vital for the reproduction of many plants and for the production of food in agricultural systems.
  • Pollination enhances biodiversity and contributes to the availability of fruits, vegetables, and other crops.

Insect-Related Ecosystem Services

• Insect Resources

  • Insects provide services that do not compete directly with human food resources.
  • For instance, livestock typically require grains and cereals, which could be consumed by humans, whereas insects can be fed on substrates like mulberry leaves, allowing for sustainable food production that doesn't interfere with human diets.

• High Protein Source

  • Insects are not only useful for their ecological functions but also serve as a high-protein food source, offering health benefits for human consumption.