Ecological Services - Coursework Example

Ecological Services Whichever beneficial naturally occurring process which arises from ecosystems that are in good physical shape including purification of the air and water, waste decomposition and plants pollination.The conception of ecological systems has several dimensions in educational circles and even strategy circles. Nevertheless, the prevailing understanding of the concept of ecological services has its basis on some themes. According to the UK Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (2007), there is no uniform way of categorization of the ecological services.

However, there can be simple descriptions, which include the existence of;Matlock & Morgan (2010) argue that naturally occurring resources such as water and air facilitate basic survival and have the ability of contributing to vibrant mental and physical well-being. Access to green vegetation to both rural and urban inhabitants and availability of inherent medicinal resources is one of the benefits of naturally occurring resources. The concept also entails natural processes such as pollination of crops and climatic regulation.

Ecological system concept includes enhancement of stable and vibrant economy in the form of raw materials for industrial processes, provision of recreational facilities such as tourism. Finally, the concept entails benefits associated with educational and cultural paybacks, wellness and motivation from interrelating with nature. The ecological system, therefore, facilitates anthropogenic value that includes natural processes such as filtration of water, pollination in plants and the production of fiber.

In summary, the concept of ecological systems can be summed up into major functionalities such as regulation, provision, and cultural aspects in the process of adding value to individuals. The processes mentioned entail the most basic functions of the ecosystem in entirety.From the “Ecological Services of Rivers,” the most important services include the formation of the bacterial bodies and human bodies. From the lecture notes, it is stated, “Humans are comprised of nearly 60 percent water by aggregate measure, and we depend on water, not only for our endurance, but for our benefit.

” The implication of this is that humans cannot survive without water. Water gives life to humans because it aids even in the formation of the body cells of humans. According to the lecture notes, it is intimated “All life forms, from unicellular bacteria to multi-cellular plants and animals, contain water.” Humans are the multi-cellular being and are dependent on water for the basic formation of cells and composition of the body. Another vital service is the provision of food to the living organisms including humans.

Food can only be available when pollination takes place in plants. The plants also purify the environment, therefore, providing a favorable environment for undertaking of economic activities that ensure the survival of humans. Most of the factors of production emanate from the natural environment, and all these can only be sustainable when the natural environments are kept undestroyed and healthy. Bacteria include the unicellular plants that depend on water and healthy natural environments for survival.

Bacteria and fungi are important to humans in several ways including bacteria fighting infections that could attack the human body and fungi used in the manufacture drugs used to treat various ailments. Services, that face decline because of human interference, include reduction in natural replenishment of food sources due to a reduction in pollination. Another natural service, which faces decline, is the extent of natural protection of calamities such as flooding attributable to interference with natural aquifers through diversion of course and drainage.

A decline in natural food replenishment may cause death of animals, lack of adequate food supplies for humans and upshot of drought. Interference with aquifers may cause drought, increased flooding and scarcity of fresh drinking water.ReferencesMatlock, M., & Morgan, R. (2010).Ecological engineering design restoring and conserving ecosystem services. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.The 2007 UK radioactive waste inventory: A summary of information for international reporting : Report prepared for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). (2008). Moor Row: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.