In other words, the world cannot afford to replace these services, therefore we must work to protect our ecosystems. Natural communities maintain proper gaseous concentrations in the atmosphere and prevent rapid climate changes. Drastic changes in the Earth's atmosphere can have catastrophic effects. Such changes are believed to have led to the disappearance of dinosaurs from Earth 65 million years ago. Much less drastic changes resulted in several global ice ages, the last of which ended 10 thousand years ago.
Vegetation helps recycle moisture into the atmosphere.
A single rainforest tree, in its 100 year lifespan can transfer approximately 2.5 million gallons from soil to air. Their role in the hydrologic cycle is crucial. A multiplicity of organisms is required to create soils and maintain fertility through complex cycles and interactions. Plant roots break up rock to create soil particles, small animals like earthworms, mites, insects and millipedes help give soil its texture and fertility and are crucial to its aeration. Even tinier soil microorganisms and fungi are responsible for cycling essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur and making them available to higher plants.