Ecosystems & Services
What are ecosystem services? Specifically aquatic ecosystems.
Benefits humans get from ecosystems (clean water, food, flood control)
What is virtual water?
The hidden water used to make products
What is water pollution?
Contamination of water that harms living things
What is a wetland?
Land saturated with water
What is grey water?
Used water that can be reused (not sewage)
Name one ecosystem service of aquatic ecosystems
Water purification, habitat, food, climate regulation
Give one way to use water more sustainably
Fix leaks, shorter showers, efficient irrigation
What is the difference between point and nonpoint pollution?
Point = one source; Nonpoint = many sources
Name one benefit of wetlands
Filter water, reduce flooding, habitat
What is cultural eutrophication?
Excess nutrients from humans causing algal blooms
How do aquatic ecosystems help humans survive?
Provide food, clean water, regulate climate
How can grey water be reused?
Watering plants, flushing toilets
Which type of water system cleanses pollution faster: rivers or lakes? Why?
Rivers, because flowing water moves and dilutes pollutants
What is an aquifer?
Underground layer that stores water
What is runoff?
Water that carries pollution over land into waterways
Why are wetlands considered one of the most valuable ecosystems?
They filter water, prevent flooding, and support biodiversity
Why is virtual water important?
Helps us understand hidden water use and conserve
Which water system is MOST affected by pollution buildup: lakes, rivers, or oceans? Why?
Lakes, because water stays longer and pollutants build up
How are aquifers recharged?
Rain and surface water soak into the ground
Give an example of nonpoint-source pollution
Fertilizer runoff
A coastal wetland is drained to build houses. Predict two environmental impacts AND explain how this affects ecosystem services.
Loss of water filtration → poorer water quality; increased flooding due to loss of natural absorption; loss of habitat and biodiversity; reduced storm protection.
Explain how human water use affects different water systems
Overuse lowers rivers/aquifers; pollution harms lakes/oceans
Explain why oceans can handle more pollution than lakes—but still have limits
Oceans dilute pollution better, but too much still causes damage
What happens when aquifers are overused AND not recharged?
Water supply decreases, wells dry up, land may sink
A city is trying to reduce water pollution. They fix factory discharge pipes but still see pollution in nearby rivers. Identify the type of pollution still occurring AND explain why it is harder to control.
Nonpoint-source pollution; it comes from many sources (runoff, lawns, streets), making it difficult to track and regulate.