What is a benchmark in ecology? Why are they essential?

A benchmark in ecology is a reference point for all other studies. Benchmarks are essential because it gives you the ability to tell if something is above or below the expected level.

Explanation:

the framers of the constitution insisted that federal judges be nominated instead of elected due to their desire to have judges above the shifting whims of the masses.

the hope, whether achieved or not, was that federal judges would only be beholden to the law and that by not having judges be elected, they would be protected if that law dictated an outcome that ran counter to popular opinion.