Biodiversity

• What does biodiversity refer to?


  The variety of all different species of organisms on Earth or within a specific ecosystem
• Why is maintaining a high level of biodiversity crucial?


  It ensures the stability of ecosystems by reducing species dependence
• How does high biodiversity affect ecosystems?


  It leads to more resilient ecosystems that can better withstand changes
• What are some ecosystem services supported by biodiversity?


  • Pollination
  • Water purification
  • Soil fertility
• What human activities are reducing biodiversity?

  Deforestation, pollution, and over-exploitation of resources
• What is the key skill related to the impact of waste, deforestation, and global warming on biodiversity?


  WS 1.4
• How does improper waste management affect biodiversity?


  It leads to pollution that harms plants, animals, and microorganisms
• What are the types of pollution that affect biodiversity?


  • Water pollution
  • Air pollution
  • Land pollution
• What causes water pollution?

  Sewage, fertilizers, and toxic chemicals
• What are the effects of air pollution on ecosystems?


  It leads to problems like acid rain
• How does land pollution affect biodiversity?


  It reduces land available for biodiversity
• What is the consequence of pollution on organisms?


  It kills organisms and disrupts ecosystems
• What human activities lead to habitat loss?


  Building, quarrying, farming, and waste dumping
• How does the destruction of peat bogs affect biodiversity?


  It reduces biodiversity and releases stored carbon dioxide
• What is the conflict regarding peat bogs?


  The need for cheap compost versus the need to conserve peatlands
• What are the main reasons for large-scale deforestation?


  To provide land for cattle farming and rice fields
• What are the consequences of deforestation?


  Habitat loss, species extinction, and increased carbon dioxide emissions
• What is the key skill related to evaluating the environmental implications of deforestation?


  WS 1.4
• What gases are contributing to global warming?

  Carbon dioxide and methane
• What are the biological consequences of global warming?


  Habitat changes leading to migration or extinction of species
• What are the effects of rising sea levels and changing weather patterns?

  They disrupt ecosystems
• What is the key skill related to understanding the scientific consensus on global warming?


  WS 1.6
• Why might evidence regarding climate change be uncertain or incomplete?


  Due to the complexity of climate change
• What are some efforts to maintain biodiversity?

  • Breeding programmes for endangered species
  • Protection and regeneration of rare habitats
  • Reintroduction of field margins and hedgerows
  • Reduction of deforestation and carbon emissions
  • Recycling to reduce waste
• Why are measures to maintain biodiversity essential?


  • To preserve biodiversity
  • To ensure the sustainability of ecosystems
• What is the balance highlighted between human activities and environmental conservation?

  • Importance of biodiversity for ecosystem health
  • Importance of biodiversity for human survival