Which of the following is NOT a benefit of ecosystem services?

The correct choice identifies industrial waste production as not being a benefit of ecosystem services. Ecosystem services refer to the myriad benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems, which support life and enhance quality of life. These services include climate regulation, pollination, and clean water—each of which plays a significant role in maintaining ecological balance, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources.

Climate regulation is essential for controlling the earth’s temperature and weather patterns through natural processes in ecosystems. Pollination is critical for the reproduction of many plants, including crops, thus supporting food production and biodiversity. Clean water is vital for both human health and ecosystem sustainability, providing drinking water and supporting aquatic life.

In contrast, industrial waste production represents negative human impact on ecosystems, contributing to pollution and degradation of the environment rather than any positive service or benefit. This distinction is crucial for understanding the balance between human activities and the health of natural ecosystems.