biodiversity

Created by

matilda bailey

Cards (21)

what is biodiversity? 
The variety of all the different species of organisms in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
why is biodiversity important? 
ensures the stability of ecosystems by reducing the dependence of one species on another for food, shelter and the maintenance of the physical environment. the future of the earth relies on good biodiversity.
how does water pollution affect biodiversity?
water is needed to grow plants and feed population
water pollution by fertilisers is called eutrophication - this leads to lack of oxygen in water to fish die. also run-off of pesticides from farmland or other places is toxic to aquatic life.
how does air pollution affect biodiversity? 
nowadays more people use fossil fuels for energy and vehicles.
this increases CO2 and SO2 and smog in the air
this increases acid rain and global warming
this effects human health, including issues such as cancer and respiratory problems.
how does land pollution effect biodiversity?
more humans means more land used for buildings and farming and waste disposal
toxic chemicals leak into soil causing contamination
finite land area means more animal habitats will be taken for land use, increasing toxic chemicals in the soil
how does increased demand for natural resources effect biodiversity? 
increased population increases the demand for fossil fuels and minerals from the earth
burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming
demand for metals (copper, lithium) causes toxic waste and use large areas of land and fossil fuels
what is the issue with destroying peat bogs? 
The destruction of peat bogs, and other areas of peat to produce garden compost, reduces the area of this habitat and thus the variety of different plant, animal and microorganism species that live there (biodiversity).
issues of deforestation 
reduced biodiversity
extinction of animals and plants
increase of CO2 - leads to global warming and climate change
soil erosion
water cycle disruption
flooding and drought
why does deforestation occur? 
road building
infrastructure
farming
logging
wood used for fuel
clear land for mining
dam construction
new housing
positives of deforestation 
economic prosperity
better transport
more living space
farming space for food
biodiesel production
what are peat bogs? 
peat is made from plant material that cannot decay completely because conditions are acidic and lack oxygen. peat is commonly used as fuel or used by gardeners to improve soil conditions and provide ideal environment fro seed germination, helping increase food production.
what are the consequences of global warming? 
levels of CO2 an methane in atmosphere are increasing.
loss of habitat when low lying areas are flooded by rising sea levels
changes in patterns of species in areas of temperature or rainfall change
changes of migration patterns of animals
greenhouse effect vs global warming 
the greenhouse effect is the result of gases (CO2 and CH4) absorbing energy from the earth's atmosphere. whereas, global warming is the act of the average temperature of the earth increasing due to the greenhouse effect.
what is acid rain? 
sulfur dioxide + nitrate oxide
what is the greenhouse effect? 
energy from the sun is re-radiated back to earth. heat energy from the sun hits the earth energy is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increasing the levels of carbon dioxide and methane.
explain how a rise in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere can decrease biodiversity 
increased carbon dioxide creates a greenhouse effect which increases air/sea temperature. these change too fast for animals to adapt to and lowers biodiversity
increased CO2 leads to global warming which rises sea levels, therefore flooding and habitat loss occurs. animals and plants are then displaced or killed and biodiversity is lowered.
increased CO2 leads to extreme weather patterns (rainfall or droughts) this affects photosynthesis and plant distribution - low biodiversity
how do breeding programmes help protect biodiversity? 
endangered animals are bred in zoos - animal genetics are recorded so inbreeding avoided. they ensure reproduction and helps animals that are close to extinction.
how does protection of rare habitats aid biodiversity? 
Co2 emissions and global warming must be tackled as raised temps and decreased pH levels are threats to marine habitats.
mangroves are destroyed in oceans by too much/ too little water and changing salinity
disappearing heaths are re-established by removing trees, reversing drainage and allowing grazing
how are agricultural practices aiding biodiversity? 
re-introducing hedgerows and leaving wildflower seed margins increases biodiversity when there previously was soil erosion and a reduction in soil fertility with less plants and animals.
how can government action aid biodiversity?  
governments are trying to reduce deforestation and CO2 emissions in order to increase biodiversity. CO2 emissions fall due to car engines.
governments have introduced taxes on landfill use.
what is eutrophication?
eutrophication starts when mineral and nitrate ions enter the oceans. these ions feed algae rapidly which blocks sunlight form entering the water.
plants die to reduce competition as they are not able to photosynthesise.
algae then dies and bacteria digest the dead plants and algae using the remaining oxygen giving off CO2
wildlife becomes unhealthy or die from lack of dissolved O2