What are ecosystem services?

Ecosystem services refer to the various benefits that natural ecosystems provide to humans. These can include clean air and water, the pollination of crops, the regulation of climate, and the provision of raw materials, among others. The concept emphasizes the important role that functioning ecosystems play in supporting human life and well-being.

Understanding this, the correct answer highlights how ecosystems deliver essential resources and services that are crucial for survival and quality of life. This includes both direct services, such as food and shelter, and indirect services, such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Recognizing these benefits underscores the importance of conserving ecosystems for sustaining these services that directly impact human society and health.