What are ecosystem services?

Ecosystem services refer to the various benefits that humans gain from natural ecosystems. These include essentials such as clean air and water, pollination of crops, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and recreational opportunities. The concept highlights the value that healthy ecosystems provide, allowing humans to thrive and sustain their livelihoods. Recognizing these benefits is crucial for promoting conservation efforts and understanding our interdependence with the natural world.

In this context, the other options do not accurately define ecosystem services. The duties of scientists in species recovery pertain to conservation efforts and research but do not encompass the broader range of benefits provided by ecosystems. The harmful effects of human activities focus on environmental impact rather than the positive contributions of ecosystems. Lastly, the physical structures of an ecosystem, such as habitats or niches, describe components of an ecosystem but do not encompass the services these ecosystems provide to humans.