Ecosystem services that are defined as the processes that keep ecosystems healthy are primarily referred to as "regulating services." These services play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance and functionality of ecosystems. Here are some key regulating services:

1. **Climate Regulation**: Ecosystems help regulate the Earth's climate by sequestering carbon dioxide through processes like photosynthesis and influencing local weather patterns.

2. **Water Purification**: Ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, filter pollutants from water, thereby maintaining water quality and supporting healthy aquatic life.

3. **Pollination**: Many plants rely on animals such as bees, birds, and bats for pollination, which is crucial for plant reproduction and the production of fruits and seeds.

4. **Soil Fertility and Formation**: Healthy ecosystems contribute to soil formation and nutrient cycling, which are essential for plant growth and agriculture.

5. **Disease Regulation**: Biodiverse ecosystems can help control pests and diseases by supporting a balanced array of species that can naturally regulate populations of potential pathogens.

6. **Flood Regulation**: Ecosystems such as wetlands act as buffers to absorb excess rainwater, thereby reducing the risk of floods.

Together, these regulating services ensure the resilience and sustainability of ecosystems, supporting both biodiversity and human well-being.

Question

Ecosystem services that are defined as the processes that keep ecosystems healthy are primarily referred to as "regulating services." These services play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance and functionality of ecosystems. Here are some key regulating services:

1. **Climate Regulation**: Ecosystems help regulate the Earth's climate by sequestering carbon dioxide through processes like photosynthesis and influencing local weather patterns.

2. **Water Purification**: Ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, filter pollutants from water, thereby maintaining water quality and supporting healthy aquatic life.

3. **Pollination**: Many plants rely on animals such as bees, birds, and bats for pollination, which is crucial for plant reproduction and the production of fruits and seeds.

4. **Soil Fertility and Formation**: Healthy ecosystems contribute to soil formation and nutrient cycling, which are essential for plant growth and agriculture.

5. **Disease Regulation**: Biodiverse ecosystems can help control pests and diseases by supporting a balanced array of species that can naturally regulate populations of potential pathogens.

6. **Flood Regulation**: Ecosystems such as wetlands act as buffers to absorb excess rainwater, thereby reducing the risk of floods.

Together, these regulating services ensure the resilience and sustainability of ecosystems, supporting both biodiversity and human well-being.

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