What is one of the benefits of maintaining forest ecosystems?

One of the significant benefits of maintaining forest ecosystems is the improvement in air quality through filtration. Forests play a crucial role in regulating the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is essential for life. Additionally, trees and plants in forests filter pollutants from the air, capturing particulate matter, carbon, sulfur dioxide, and other harmful substances, thus contributing to cleaner air. This natural filtration process improves overall air quality, making it beneficial not just for wildlife but also for human populations living in proximity to forested areas.

In contrast, the other choices reflect negative outcomes that do not align with the benefits of sustaining forest ecosystems. For instance, reducing available wildlife habitats or recreational spaces would detract from the ecological value provided by healthy forests. Similarly, an increase in urban sprawl would undermine the integrity of forest ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, increased pollution, and diminished air quality, rather than enhancing it.