Which of following accounts for 50% of the total cost of various ecosystem services?

Options

A. Soil formation
B. Nutrient cycling
C. Climate regulation
D. Recreation and habitat for wild life

Answer

To solve the question regarding which factor accounts for 50% of the total cost of various ecosystem services, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Ecosystem Services**: Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from the natural environment. They include services like soil formation, nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and recreation.

2. **Identify the Scientist**: The question refers to a scientist named Robert Costanza, who is known for his work in valuing ecosystem services.

3. **Review Cost Distribution**: According to Costanza's findings:
- Soil formation accounts for **50%** of the total cost of various ecosystem services.
- Nutrient cycling and recreation each account for **10%**.
- Climate regulation and habitat for wildlife account for **6%** each.

4. **Determine the Correct Answer**: Since the question asks for the service that accounts for 50% of the total cost, we can conclude that the correct answer is **soil formation**.

5. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the answer to the question is **soil formation**.