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Ecosystem Services — Reading Comprehension

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MS-LS2-5
MS-ESS3-3

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This engaging middle school science passage introduces students to the concept of ecosystem services, the vital benefits humans receive from healthy ecosystems. Covering provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services, the passage explains how nature provides food, clean water, climate regulation, pollination, and more. Real-world examples, such as honeybee pollination and natural water filtration, illustrate these connections. The passage also explores the economic value of ecosystem services—worth trillions of dollars globally—and emphasizes why protecting ecosystems is crucial for human well-being and future sustainability. Vocabulary is highlighted and defined for student comprehension. The passage and activities align with NGSS MS-LS2-5 and MS-ESS3-3, supporting crosscutting concepts of systems, cause and effect, and human impact. Audio integration is available for accessibility. Activities include a quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to deepen understanding and support science literacy.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Ecosystem services are the essential benefits that humans receive from healthy natural environments. Every time we eat fresh food, drink clean water, or enjoy a walk in the park, we are experiencing the value of these services. Scientists study how these benefits come from the complex interactions between living things and their surroundings. Understanding ecosystem services helps us see how protecting nature is connected to human survival and well-being.

How Ecosystem Services Work

Nature provides different types of services that support human life. Provisioning services give us products like food, fresh water, wood, fiber, and medicines. For example, forests supply timber and wild plants used in medicine. Regulating services help control climate, purify water, pollinate crops, and manage pests. Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants and preventing floods. Bees and other pollinators are crucial for growing fruits and vegetables. Supporting services include processes like nutrient cycling, soil formation, and photosynthesis. These functions make ecosystems stable and productive. Finally, cultural services provide recreation, spiritual connections, and educational opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, or learning about nature.

The Economic and Social Value of Nature

Research shows that the global value of ecosystem services is estimated to be tens of trillions of dollars each year. For instance, pollinators like bees contribute more than $200 billion to crop production worldwide. Clean water supplied by forests and wetlands reduces the need for expensive water treatment. In New York City, protecting natural watersheds saves the city over $1 billion annually in water purification costs. These examples show how healthy ecosystems can be more cost-effective than artificial solutions. When ecosystems are damaged by pollution, deforestation, or climate change, the loss of these services can harm human health and the economy.

Protecting Ecosystems for Our Future

When humans disrupt ecosystems, the services they provide can decline or disappear. For example, if pollinator populations drop, crop yields may decrease, making food more expensive and less available. If wetlands are destroyed, floods may become more severe and frequent. Protecting ecosystems means managing resources wisely, restoring damaged areas, and reducing pollution. By valuing ecosystem services, societies can make better decisions that benefit both nature and people. Scientists use data and models to predict how changes in ecosystems will affect the services we depend on. This scientific knowledge helps guide conservation and policy efforts that protect our shared future.

In summary, ecosystem services are the hidden foundation of human well-being, economy, and health. Recognizing their value helps us understand why caring for the environment is not just about protecting nature—it's about protecting ourselves.

Interesting Fact: Coral reefs provide coastal protection worth an estimated $9 billion each year by reducing wave energy and preventing erosion.

What are ecosystem services?

Benefits humans receive from natureTypes of wild animalsKinds of pollutionLaws about the environment

Which of the following is a provisioning service?

FoodFlood controlPollinationRecreation

What is the main purpose of regulating services?

Provide recreation and beautyControl natural processes like climate and water purificationSupply wood and fiberHelp with education

According to the passage, what role do wetlands play in ecosystems?

Act as natural filters that remove pollutantsProduce medicinesCreate new speciesMake laws for cities

What does the term 'photosynthesis' mean in the passage?

The process by which plants use sunlight to make foodThe movement of water in riversThe spreading of seeds by animalsThe protection of endangered species

What is the estimated annual value of ecosystem services worldwide?

Tens of trillions of dollarsA few million dollarsLess than $1,000Unknown

If pollinator populations drop, what could happen according to the passage?

Crop yields may decrease and food could become more expensiveMore trees would growFlooding would increaseWater would be cleaner

Why is protecting natural watersheds important for cities like New York?

It saves the city money on water purificationIt increases pollutionIt makes the city biggerIt creates new roads

True or False: Cultural services include things like recreation, spiritual value, and education.

TrueFalse

True or False: Damaging ecosystems always increases the value of ecosystem services.

TrueFalse