MP Board · Class 12 · Biology · EcosystemDiscuss the various ecological services provided by healthy ecosystems. Explain the estimated economic value assigned to these services and the proportion of costs attributed to different sub-components like soil formation, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation.

Introduction to Ecosystem Services\nHealthy ecosystems are natural 'life-support systems' that provide a wide range of products and services essential for human survival and well-being. Products derived from ecosystems include food, timber, fiber, medicines, etc. The wide range of services provided by ecosystems are collectively termed as ecosystem services.

Key Ecological Services\nSome of the major ecological services provided by natural ecosystems include:

1. Climate Regulation: Forests and oceans regulate global climate, temperature, and precipitation patterns.
2. Purification of Air and Water: Ecosystems filter pollutants from air and clean water through natural hydrological cycles.
3. Soil Formation and Protection: Plant roots bind soil particles, preventing soil erosion, while the accumulation of organic matter aids in soil formation.
4. Nutrient Cycling: Microbes and detritivores cycle essential nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus between living organisms and the environment.
5. Habitat Provision: Ecosystems provide wild habitats for diverse flora and fauna, maintaining biodiversity.
6. Pollination: Bees, birds, and insects pollinate crops, which is crucial for agricultural productivity.
7. Recreational and Aesthetic Value: Nature provides aesthetic beauty, ecotourism spots, and cultural value.

Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services

• Robert Costanza and his colleagues have tried to put price tags on nature's life-support services.
• Researchers have put an average price tag of US $33 trillion a year on these fundamental ecosystem services.
• For comparison, the global gross national product (GNP) is about US $18 trillion.

Cost Distribution Among Sub-components\nOut of the total estimated cost of US $33 trillion:

• Soil formation accounts for about 50% of the total value.
• Nutrient cycling accounts for less than 10%.
• Climate regulation and habitat for wildlife each account for about 6% each.
• Other services like recreation, raw materials, food production, and water regulation make up the remaining percentage.