Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive directly or indirectly from Nature. These services are essential for our survival, health and economy. Nature performs these roles without charging us anything, yet they are often taken for granted.

Here are five key ecosystem services:

1. Air Purification: Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making the air breathable. They also trap dust and pollutants.
2. Water Filtration: Wetlands, forests and soil filter rainwater naturally. This keeps our rivers and groundwater clean and safe for use.
3. Pollination: Insects like bees and butterflies help in pollinating crops and plants. Without them, fruits and vegetables wouldn’t grow properly.
4. Soil Fertility: Decomposers like earthworms and fungi break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil.
5. Climate Regulation: Oceans, forests and glaciers help in controlling the Earth’s temperature and rainfall patterns.

If we destroy forests, pollute rivers, or kill pollinators, these services will stop. This can lead to food shortages, dirty air and water, climate change and health problems.

Protecting ecosystem services is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human survival issue. We must conserve biodiversity, reduce pollution and live in harmony with Nature to protect these free but vital services.

For more NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 Natural Resources and Their Use Extra Questions & Answer:

https://www.tiwariacademy.com/ncert-solutions/class-8/social-science/