Correct Option
Biodiversity is fundamental to human existence by providing essential ecosystem services:
- Soil formation: Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) and invertebrates (earthworms, insects) decompose organic matter and mix soil, contributing to humus formation and soil structure, which is vital for agriculture.
- Prevention of soil erosion: Plant roots bind soil particles, and vegetation cover reduces the impact of rain and wind, thereby preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil fertility.
- Recycling of waste: Decomposer organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and detritivores, break down dead organic matter and waste products, returning nutrients to the ecosystem for reuse by producers.
- Pollination of crops: A wide array of organisms like insects (bees, butterflies), birds, and bats facilitate the pollination of numerous crop species, which is crucial for food production and agricultural productivity.
These services are categorized as supporting and regulating ecosystem services, directly underpinning human well-being.
Incorrect Options
Options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect because they exclude one or more of the listed ecological services. All four points represent critical functions provided by diverse biological communities that are essential for human existence.