Ecological services
The environment around us provides several services for the benefit f mankind. Some important ecological services are CO2 fixation, release of oxygen and pollination.
Fixation of carbon dioxide
Carbon assimilation is the principle service provided by the
environment which supports life of all living organisms. During the process,
abiotic ecological factors sunlight, water and CO2 are used from the vicinity of
green plants. These factors often become limiting factors for CO2 fixation and
determine the rate of photosynthesis in the given vegetation.
Release of Oxygen
Oxygen is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Thus
photosynthesis purifies the air. It takes part in ozone layer formation also,
that protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Pollination
Environmental abiotic factor wind is an agent for
pollination in many plants, especially monocots that are important crop plants.
(Water is an agent for aquatic plants). There are many insects, (like moths,
beetles, butterflies, bees, etc) and birds (like sun birds, humming birds,
bulbul, etc.) which are pollinators. After pollination only, there is
fertilization and formation of seeds and fruits.