Factors Influencing the Provision of Supporting Services

Pollination is a regulating service, not a supporting service.

The type of parent material (e.g., rock, sediment) determines the mineral composition and texture of the soil, which in turn affects the rate of soil formation.

Grazing is a factor that influences the transfer of nutrients between organisms, but it does not directly affect the cycling of nutrients within the ecosystem.

The availability of suitable habitat (e.g., nesting sites, food sources) is the primary factor that determines the distribution of pollinators in an ecosystem.

Pollution is a factor that can degrade water quality, but it does not directly influence the rate of water purification in ecosystems.

Temperature is the primary factor that determines the rate of decomposition in ecosystems, as it affects the activity of decomposer organisms.

Fire is a factor that can destroy soil structure, but it does not directly influence the formation of soil structure.

The availability of nutrients in the soil is the primary factor that determines the rate of nutrient uptake by plants.

Climate is a factor that can influence the amount of water that falls on an ecosystem, but it does not directly influence the rate of water infiltration into soil.

The rate of plant growth is the primary factor that determines the rate of carbon sequestration in ecosystems, as plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into biomass.

Climate is a factor that can influence the amount of precipitation an ecosystem receives, but it does not directly influence the formation of wetlands.

Sunlight is the primary factor that determines the rate of primary production in ecosystems, as it provides the energy that plants need to photosynthesize.

Herbivory is a factor that can influence the abundance of plant species in an ecosystem, but it does not directly influence the distribution of plant species.

Temperature is the primary factor that determines the rate of decomposition of organic matter in ecosystems, as it affects the activity of decomposer organisms.

Time is a factor that influences the development of soil horizons, but it does not directly influence the formation of soil horizons.