Facing Tomorrow's Challenges: USGS Science in the Decade 2007-2017
Understanding Ecosystems and Predicting Ecosystem Change
PDF (644 KB, 2 pages) |
Ecosystems constitute the Earth’s biosphere and support human existence. Knowledge of ecosystems is critical to the well-being of the Nation because ecosystems supply the natural resources and other goods and services that humans require. Resilient, functioning ecosystems build soil, enhance pollination of crops, purify water, supply raw materials, regulate the atmosphere, cycle nutrients, and detoxify waste. These and other ecosystem processes collectively form the basis for all life on Earth. |
