What does ecological restoration aim to restore?

Ecological restoration primarily aims to restore damaged ecosystems to a state of health and functionality. This involves repairing ecosystems that have been degraded due to human activity, natural disasters, or other disturbances. The goal is to reestablish the ecological processes, biodiversity, and overall integrity of the ecosystem. This can include activities such as reforestation, wetland restoration, removal of invasive species, and rehabilitation of habitat for various wildlife species.

Focusing on damaged ecosystems is crucial because restoring these areas can not only benefit the species that inhabit them but also improve ecosystem services that benefit humans, such as clean water, air, and climate regulation. Successful ecological restoration can lead to the resurgence of native plant and animal populations, contributing to greater biodiversity and resilience in the environment.

The other options, while related to aspects of ecology and conservation, do not encompass the broader aim of ecological restoration. Human-made ecosystems, for instance, may not necessarily require restoration in the same sense that natural ecosystems do. Wildlife populations are a component of ecosystems but do not represent the entirety of ecological restoration; restoration aims at revitalizing the ecosystem as a whole. Similarly, urban areas can be designed to support wildlife, but restoring urban environments is not the primary focus of ecological restoration, which is more concerned