The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?

1. Production of food and water
2. Control of climate and disease
3. Nutrient cycling and crop pollination
4. Maintenance of diversity

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) was called for by the former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2000. Initiated in 2001, the objective of the MA was to assess the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being and the scientific basis for action needed to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of those systems and their contribution to human well-being.
• Supporting services are the fundamental ecological processes that sustain other ecosystem services.

Answer: (c) Nutrient cycling and crop pollination; Difficulty Level: Medium