Treesearch
Natural Inquirer Ecosystem Services
| Authors: | Barbara McDonald, Jessica Nickelsen |
| Year: | 2016 |
| Type: | Natural Inquirer |
| Station: | Washington Office |
| Source: | USDA-Forest Service science education journal for Pre-K through Grade 12 |
Download (PDF 25.33 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/80154.pdf
Abstract
Ecosystem services are the benefits that nature provides through natural processes. For example, plants provide clean air, natural fire helps cycle nutrients, and bats act as insect control. Ecosystem services are valued by people, even if people do not always think about where these services. Scientists have studied ecosystems for a long time. The concept of ecosystem services, however, is relatively new. The identification of ecosystem services enables scientists to show people that ecosystems are important to everyone. Learn more about ecosystem services in this edition and then look around you to see how ecosystems benefit your community!