Page 174 - Innovator's Science-8

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN ECOSYSTEM?

In an ecosystem, living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components work
together and support life. Humans also benefit in many ways from
ecosystems.

For example:
Forests give us:

• Clean air (oxygen) • Fertile soil
• Food and fibres • Wood and timber

• Medicines
Aquatic ecosystems (like rivers, lakes, and oceans) provide:

• Water

• Fish and other food sources

Ecosystems also give us:
• Natural beauty (aesthetic value)
• Places to relax or enjoy nature (recreational value)

These benefits show how closely connected humans and nature are. But
when we overuse or misuse these resources, it disturbs the natural balance

and harms the environment.
Now let us look at a real life example of a threatened ecosystem – the
Sunderbans.

The Sundarbans is the world’s largest
mangrove forest, found where the Ganges

and Brahmaputra rivers meet (between India
and Bangladesh). It is home to many unique
plants and animals, some of which are
Science endangered. Mangrove Forest
Bytes
The Sundarbans help us by:
Testimony
Because of its • Slowing down strong winds and waves during storms and floods
importance, UNESCO
declared the Sundarbans • Cleaning the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen
a World Heritage Site in Unfortunately the vital ecosystem is under serious threat due to human
1987.
activities:

• Mangrove trees are being cut for firewood and farming

• Illegal hunting and overuse of resources harm wildlife
• Pollution from industries and untreated sewage is damaging the water

and habitats

174
Science-8