Ecological Services - Assignment Example

Ecological services Ecological services Introduction Ecological services are the benefits obtained from a healthy ecosystem. These services carry a lot of vitality to the survival of all living organisms. Ecological services control numerous aspects of the environment. Ecological services include: The moderation of weather and temperature, Seed dispersal and flower pollination, Pest control in agriculture, Nutrients circulation and movement, Waste decomposition, Purification of water and air, Floods and drought mitigation, Detoxification of waste, Prevents erosion of costal shores and stream channels, Stabilizes the climate, Regulates organisms carrying disease, Ensures the maintenance of biodiversity (Miller & Spoolman, 2012).

All these ecological services serve to maintain the balance of nature and support the survival of living organisms (Miller & Spoolman, 2012). Ecological services ensure the survival of wildlife by offering habitat. Fresh water and food with nutrients is also brought forth by the ecological services. Ecological services are free but serve very vital functions. For instance wild pollinator services are argued to be six billion dollars annually. However the cost is not incurred since there is pollination by wild pollinators for free.

Bear in mind that plants pollinated by wild pollinators constitute a third of the food consumed by humans. Climate is a naturally occurring aspect of the environment which is almost impossible for humans to control. However through ecological services, it is possible to enjoy different kinds of weather through the collaboration of water masses and the sun (Miller & Spoolman, 2012). Water masses, forests, wetlands and estuaries are among the givers of ecological services. For example the occurrence of a forest indicates purified air due to trees giving off oxygen and cool climate due to evaporation by leaves.

Ecological services benefit all living organisms in different ways. Figure 8-9 illustrates an environment that benefits from the ecological services of a river. There are two very vital ecological services from the river. The first is the provision of clean drinking water. This is followed by the provision of habitat for the fish and other aquatic animals within the surrounding. Water is a basic need. It is extremely important for the survival of humans. It is not only needed for drinking but also for cooking and cleaning.

It therefore qualifies as one of the most vital ecological service. The fish are provided with habitat by the river which is an important function. If the river dried up the fish would die, therefore the ecological service of the river is important. Finally the two ecological services provided are of basic need to both beneficiaries. Without water from the river the humans would die and consequently without the river the fish would die. Habitat and drinking water are the most important ecological services by the river.

Human destruction of the environment and ecosystems is very common. There are ecological services in the figure that will decline due to human interference. The first is the service of nutrient circulation and movement. The other is destabilization of the habitat. Clearly the due to the hydroelectric power station, fish migration and reproduction is limited. The hydroelectric power designed and built by humans may also cause the death of some fish due to electrocution by electrical currents.

The death and reduction of fish will also disrupt the ecological service of recreation by fishing. Conclusion In conclusion, the hydroelectric station also limits the circulation and movement of nutrients. This is because most are barred by the wall and settle at the bottom. The nutrients are required by crops below that point and aquatic life at the coast or lake. These ecological services will decline due to human destruction. Ecological services are of great value and require to be preserved.

Human interference should be reduced since they are beneficiaries. Already destroyed ecosystems should be restored and repaired to revive ecological services. Reference Miller, G. T., & Spoolman, S. (2012).Essentials of ecology. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.