Trace gas emissions and species-dependent ecosystem services

The concept of ecosystem services has both potential and peril for conservation biologists. Where these services depend on species-specific processes, the pragmatic nature of the argument has great potential to influence the public and policy makers. However, where these services depend on processes common to many taxa, then the link to preservation of biodiversity is weaker. We discuss one biological process, the emission of volatile organic compounds from plants to the atmosphere, that is highly species-specific and that has important impacts on air quality. We also suggest some research priorities involving phytogenic volatile organic compound emissions.