Table 1. A classification of ecosystem services with illustrative examples.

Ecosystem service
 
Production of goods
Food
     Terrestrial animal and plant products
     Forage
     Seafood
     Spice
Pharmaceuticals
     Medicinal products
     Precursors to synthetic pharmaceuticals
Durable materials
     Natural fiber
     Timber
Energy
     Biomass fuels
     Low-sediment water for hydropower
Industrial products
     Waxes, oils, fragrances, dyes, latex, rubber, etc.
     Precursors to many synthetic products
Genetic resources
     Intermediate goods that enhance the production of other goods
 
Regeneration processes
Cycling and filtration processes
     Detoxification and decomposition of wastes
     Generation and renewal of soil fertility
     Purification of air
     Purification of water
Translocation processes
     Dispersal of seeds necessary for revegetation
     Pollination of crops and natural vegetation
 
Stabilizing processes
     Coastal and river channel stability
     Compensation of one species for another under varying conditions
     Control of the majority of potential pest species
     Moderation of weather extremes (such as of temperature and wind)
     Partial stabilization of climate
     Regulation of hydrological cycle (mitigation of floods and droughts)
 
Life-fulfilling functions
     Aesthetic beauty
     Cultural, intellectual, and spiritual inspiration
     Existence value
     Scientific discovery
     Serenity
 
Preservation of options
     Maintenance of the ecological components and systems needed for future
     Supply of these goods and services and others awaiting discovery