In peatland ecosystems, organic material builds up in the soils, which become a carbon sink.In Southeast Asia, peatlands are often drained and used as oil palm plantations.This releases their carbon back into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.In this scenario, what ecosystem service is lost as a result of human changes to the ecosystem?
A) Oil palm plantations
B) Carbon storage
C) Carbon released into the atmosphere
D) Agricultural land
E) Economic value of the land

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Human changes to the peatland ecosystem result in the loss of the ecosystem service of carbon storage as organic material is no longer accumulating in the soil and instead carbon is released back into the atmosphere. The other options (A, C, D, E) represent either the cause (oil palm plantations) or a consequence (carbon released into the atmosphere, agricultural land, economic value of the land) of the loss of this ecosystem service.

In Peatland Ecosystems, Organic Material Builds Up in the Soils