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Waste decomposition is a supporting service where decomposers like bacteria, fungi, and certain insects convert dead organisms and waste products into simpler substances, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This process supports soil fertility and the continuation of life cycles. Example: Compost piles utilize waste decomposition to produce fertilizer for gardens.

Cultural services include non-material benefits that people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences. Examples: visiting a national park for recreation, using natural scenes for artistic inspiration, or experiencing spiritual connection in a natural setting.

Pollination is a type of regulating service where pollinators such as bees, bats, and birds carry pollen between plants, facilitating plant reproduction and crop yield. This directly impacts food resources for humans by enhancing fruit and seed production of many plants.

Soil formation and fertility are types of supporting services that involve the weathering of rock, accumulation of organic matter, and the creation of soil that can support plant life. Healthy soils are essential for agriculture and forest productivity. Example: Earthworms improve soil structure and nutrient content, aiding plant growth.

Water purification is a regulating service that involves natural ecosystems filtering, diluting, and detoxifying pollutants, leading to clean water for human consumption, agriculture, and industry. Wetlands, forests, and river systems play significant roles in this service. Examples: Recharge of aquifers through forested watersheds, and filtration of pollutants by wetland vegetation.

Climate regulation is a regulating service provided by ecosystems that capture and store greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide, helping to stabilize local and global climates. Forests are key players in this service through carbon sequestration. Example: The Amazon rainforest absorbs massive amounts of CO2, thus reducing the effects of climate change.

Supporting services are those that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services. They include nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production, and the provision of habitat. Examples: decomposition of organic matter contributes to soil fertility, which in turn supports crop growth and food production.

Provisioning services refer to the material or energy outputs from ecosystems. They include the production of resources like food, fresh water, wood, fiber, and genetic resources. Examples: crops, seafood, drinking water, timber, and medicinal plants all support human well-being by fulfilling basic physiological needs.

Regulating services are benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, such as climate regulation, disease control, water purification, and pollination. Examples include: carbon sequestration by forests, wetlands filtering pollutants from water, bees pollinating crops, which supports the food supply.