Environmental Science 1021F/G Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Maximum Sustainable Yield, Tinder, Random Seed
19 Oct 2016
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Document Summary
Forests, and thee species inhabiting them produce an invaluable range of ecosystem services for the planet the existence and maintenance of forests is paramount. Soil: the forest itself forms and maintains soil leaves/branches fall to the ground and decay, providing a layer of nutrients. Living organisms (trees, plants) anchor soil in its place with roots slows flow of rai(cid:374)water a(cid:272)ross the grou(cid:374)d"s surfa(cid:272)e (storm water runoff), soaking the water up into the ground recharging groundwater supplies. Oxygen-carbon exchange: forests pull carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and replace it with oxygen. Ecosystem services: watershed services, atmosphere and climate effects, soil maintenance and protection, disturbance regulation, biodiversity and genetic resources. Economic value: provides different foods such as food, fuel, building materials, rubber/cork, raw materials for paper, medicines more than 10 million people make a living in/from forests. Sociocultural benefits: spiritual renewal, artistic inspiration, stress reduction.
