Structure and function of ecosystem role and importance of greenhouse gases
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Ecosystem function' is the technical term used in the Framework to define the biological, geochemical and physical processes and components that take place or occur within an ecosystem. Or more simply put, ecosystem functions relate to the structural components of an ecosystem (e.g. vegetation, water, soil, atmosphere and biota) and how they interact with each other, within ecosystems and across ecosystems. Sometimes, ecosystem functions are called ecological processes.
Maintaining ecosystem function is important to maintaining the capacity of the region to supply ecosystem servcies. In the Framework, ecosystem functions are recognised as important for maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity (the diversity of genes, species and ecosystems) for their own sake. As well, they may provide contributions to goods and services (ecosystem services) that people value. People value ecosystem services in terms of the benefits they provide to their life. For example, the ecosystem function 'pollination' is critical to the reproduction of most wild plants. As well, this ecosystem function provides direct contributions to our agricultural sector by pollinating food crops. Our ability to grow food crops, are of value to people because they physically sustain us (contribute to nutrition) and allow us to choose our own lifestyle (social and economic freedom).
Nineteen (19) ecosystem functions have been listed and described for the purposes of the Framework, providing a detailed inventory of the structural components and processes occurring in and across the ecosystems of SEQ. Maps showing areas where each of the 19 ecosystem functions are being performed in the SEQ region have been developed. These maps are provided on the individual function pages. The map to the right, 'Total Ecosystem Function', overlays all 19 maps to show us where the least and most amount of function is being performed. The list of data sets applied to develop the ecosystem function maps and a description of the mapping process is located in the Quick Index.
According to the Framework, those areas with high ecosystem function have the potential to contribute to a wide range of ecosystem services. This is not to say however that those areas showing few ecosystem functions are not important, they may provide important contributions to specific ecosystem services, or they may be important areas for rehabilitation. In the Framework, the 19 ecosystem functions have been grouped into 4 categories based on their functional role. These 4 categories are listed in
Maintaining ecosystem function is important to maintaining the capacity of the region to supply ecosystem servcies. In the Framework, ecosystem functions are recognised as important for maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity (the diversity of genes, species and ecosystems) for their own sake. As well, they may provide contributions to goods and services (ecosystem services) that people value. People value ecosystem services in terms of the benefits they provide to their life. For example, the ecosystem function 'pollination' is critical to the reproduction of most wild plants. As well, this ecosystem function provides direct contributions to our agricultural sector by pollinating food crops. Our ability to grow food crops, are of value to people because they physically sustain us (contribute to nutrition) and allow us to choose our own lifestyle (social and economic freedom).
Nineteen (19) ecosystem functions have been listed and described for the purposes of the Framework, providing a detailed inventory of the structural components and processes occurring in and across the ecosystems of SEQ. Maps showing areas where each of the 19 ecosystem functions are being performed in the SEQ region have been developed. These maps are provided on the individual function pages. The map to the right, 'Total Ecosystem Function', overlays all 19 maps to show us where the least and most amount of function is being performed. The list of data sets applied to develop the ecosystem function maps and a description of the mapping process is located in the Quick Index.
According to the Framework, those areas with high ecosystem function have the potential to contribute to a wide range of ecosystem services. This is not to say however that those areas showing few ecosystem functions are not important, they may provide important contributions to specific ecosystem services, or they may be important areas for rehabilitation. In the Framework, the 19 ecosystem functions have been grouped into 4 categories based on their functional role. These 4 categories are listed in
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