An ecosystem fulfils a wide variety of functions, which we call ecosystem services. These include, for example, the filter function of the soil, which filters the rainwater that ultimately becomes usable groundwater. Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis, which we need to breathe. Compost and other waste are decomposed by microorganisms and can then be used by us again. These are just some of the functions that the ecosystem performs. If the ecosystem is disturbed too much, these services can no longer be fulfilled and the cycle is interrupted.

Sources:

Environmental umbrella organisation (n.d.): Ecosystem services at: https://www.umweltdachverband.at/themen/naturschutz/biodiversitaet/oekosystemleistungen (last accessed on 16.03.23)

Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (2023): Areas and habitats at:

https://www.bfn.de/thema/gebiete-und-lebensraeume (last accessed on 16/03/23)