Question

which of the following correctly describes the disruption of an ecosystem service by an anthropogenic activity?
a provisioning services are disrupted by increased combustion of fossil fuels, which leads to an increase in air pollution.
b regulating services are disrupted by flash flooding from a hurricane, which decreases available food resources.
c supporting services are disrupted by an earthquake that causes habitat destruction, which displaces plants and animals.
d cultural services are disrupted by a tornado that causes the loss of acres of forest, which reduces the amount of harvestable timber.

Explanation:

Ecosystem services are benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. Provisioning services involve the production of goods like food, water, and timber. Regulating services include processes that regulate environmental conditions such as climate - regulation and flood control. Supporting services are those that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services, like nutrient cycling. Cultural services are non - material benefits such as recreation and aesthetic enjoyment. Increased combustion of fossil fuels (an anthropogenic activity) disrupts provisioning services as it affects air quality and can impact the production of goods from ecosystems. Hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes are natural events, not anthropogenic activities.

Answer:

A. Provisioning services are disrupted by increased combustion of fossil fuels, which leads to an increase in air pollution.