In western Sweden, coastal marine ecosystems have been exposed to discharge of nutrients over several decades. As a result, algal blooms are more common.Algal mats on the sea bottom limit sunlight and alter the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Additionally, some algae produce toxic compounds that can enter shellfish. Furthermore, the decomposing algae produces a strong odor. Which statements below correctly match the outcomes to their effects on value of the ecosystem? Check all that apply.

Question

_____  Aesthetic value is lost because the algae makes the beach ugly and smells terrible.
_____  Indirect economic value is lost because fisherman cannot catch their usual fish.
_____  Direct economic value is lost because the toxic shellfish cannot be eaten.
_____  Aesthetic value is gained because the algae could be used for biomass.
_____  Direct economic value is lost because the properties near the beach aren’t as desirable.


Additional:
Clarify Question
· What is the key concept addressed by the question?
· What type of thinking is required?

Gather Content
· What do you already know about the economic value of ecosystems?

Choose Answer
· Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?

Reflect on Process
· Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?

Answer 1

__X__  Aesthetic value is lost because the algae makes the beach ugly and smells terrible.
_____  Indirect economic value is lost because fisherman cannot catch their usual fish.
__X__  Direct economic value is lost because the toxic shellfish cannot be eaten.
_____  Aesthetic value is gained because the algae could be used for biomass.
_____  Direct economic value is lost because the properties near the beach aren’t as desirable.

Additional:
Clarify Question
· What is the key concept addressed by the question?
        o This question addresses the economic value of ecosystems.
· What type of thinking is required?
        o This question is asking you to weigh and judge evidence, or evaluate, to choose the best of the possible answers.
 
Gather Content
· What do you already know about the economic value of ecosystems?
        o The direct economic value of biodiversity includes resources for our survival, such as sources of food, medicine, clothing, biomass (for energy and other purposes), and shelter. By conserving biodiversity, we maintain the option of finding useful benefits in the future.
        o Indirect economic value is derived from ecosystem services, such as maintaining the quality of natural water, buffering ecosystems against storms and drought, preserving soils and preventing loss of minerals and nutrients, moderating local and regional climate, absorbing pollution, and promoting the breakdown of organic wastes and the cycling of minerals. Economists have shown that intact ecosystems are often more valuable than the products derived by destroying them.
        o The aesthetic value of biodiversity is from the pleasure that humans receive when they are able to experience natural beauty.
  Choose Answer
· Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?
        o Aesthetic value is from the beauty of nature. So in this case, aesthetic value is lost because the algae makes the beach ugly and smells terrible.
        o Direct economic value is due to resources that the ecosystem provides us, like food or shelter. So direct economic value is lost because the toxic shellfish cannot be eaten.
        o Indirect economic value is from ecosystem services, not direct resources like fish.
 
Reflect on Process
· Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
        o The question required you to weigh and judge evidence, or evaluate, to choose the best of the possible answers.
        o Did you recognize that an ecosystem can provide value in different ways?