In an introduction to ecosystems, ecosystem services are commonly grouped into four major categories. Which option correctly lists these four categories?

• A. Abiotic, biotic, trophic, and climatic services
• B. Producers, consumers, decomposers, and detritivores
• C. Provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services
• D. Primary succession, secondary succession, disturbance, and resilience

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that ecosystem services refer to the benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, which are typically categorized into four major groups.
2. Recognize that the four main categories of ecosystem services are: provisioning services (such as food and water), regulating services (such as climate regulation and disease control), cultural services (such as recreational and spiritual benefits), and supporting services (such as nutrient cycling and soil formation).
3. Eliminate options that list biological classifications (like producers, consumers, decomposers) or ecological processes (like succession and resilience), as these are not categories of ecosystem services.
4. Note that abiotic, biotic, trophic, and climatic terms describe components or factors in ecosystems, not the services they provide to humans.
5. Conclude that the correct grouping of ecosystem services is 'Provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services' because these categories encompass the various ways ecosystems support human well-being.