Which term refers to the benefits provided to organisms by sustainable ecosystems?

The term that refers to the benefits provided to organisms by sustainable ecosystems is "ecosystem services." Ecosystem services encompass a wide range of processes and benefits that ecosystems offer to humans and other living organisms. These services include essential functions such as pollination of plants, water purification, nutrient cycling, habitat provision, and climate regulation, among others.

Recognizing these services is crucial for understanding how ecosystems contribute to human well-being and environmental health. For instance, when ecosystems are managed sustainably, they continue to provide these valuable services, which support biodiversity and human livelihoods. This interconnectedness highlights the importance of conserving natural ecosystems to maintain the numerous benefits they offer.

While ecosystem functions describe the biological, geological, and chemical processes that take place within ecosystems, they do not specifically capture the direct benefits to organisms. Ecosystem interactions pertain to the relationships among organisms and their environment and do not directly represent the services provided. Ecosystem stability refers to the resilience and ability of an ecosystem to maintain functionality, but again, this does not directly address the physical benefits afforded to organisms.