Which term describes benefits such as pollination and clean air provided by ecosystems?

Study for the Arizona State University (ASU) SOS110 Sustainable World Final. Dive into a world of knowledge with detailed questions, and clear explanations. Prepare and excel in your exam!

The term that best describes benefits such as pollination and clean air provided by ecosystems is "ecosystem services." Ecosystem services encompass the various advantages that humans obtain from natural environments, highlighting the essential functions that ecosystems perform which support life and enhance human well-being. These services can be categorized into four main types: provisioning services (such as food and water), regulating services (such as climate regulation and pollution control), supporting services (such as nutrient cycling and soil formation), and cultural services (such as recreational and spiritual benefits).

By recognizing ecosystem services, we can appreciate the intrinsic value of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, which play a critical role in sustaining human health and economy. This understanding is crucial for promoting conservation efforts and developing sustainable practices that protect these valuable natural processes.

The other options represent different concepts. "Natural resources" refer to materials or substances occurring in nature that can be exploited for economic gain. "Environmental hazards" pertain to potential threats or dangers posed by environmental conditions. "Human interventions" involve actions taken by people to modify or manage natural systems, which can sometimes detract from the natural services provided by ecosystems.

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