7.3-biodiversity, effect of human interaction on ecosystems

• What is biodiversity?

  The variety of different species on Earth
• How does biodiversity ensure ecosystem stability?

  It reduces dependence on particular species
• What is the importance of biodiversity?

  To maintain the stability of an ecosystem
• Why have humans’ consumption of resources increased?

  Due to rapid population rise and living standards
• Where does pollution occur?

  Air, land, and water
• How does eutrophication occur?

  Fertiliser pollution causes excessive algae growth
• What happens to oxygen levels during eutrophication?

  Oxygen levels deplete, causing deaths
• State an example of water pollutants.

  Sewage, fertiliser, and chemicals
• State an example of air pollutants.

  Smoke and acidic gases
• State an example of land pollutants.

  Landfill waste and chemicals
• Why have peat bogs been destroyed?

  To produce compost for food production
• Which human activities reduce land for animals and plants?

  Building, farming, quarrying, and waste disposal
• Why does peat bog destruction contribute to the greenhouse effect?

  It releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  Greenhouse gases trap heat from the Sun
• What is causing global warming?

  Increase in greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane
• Why have large-scale deforestation activities occurred?

  To provide land for cattle and biofuels
• State the consequences of global warming.

  Rising sea levels and changing weather patterns
• What are the harmful effects of deforestation?

  Destruction of habitats and greenhouse gas release
• Describe the steps taken to maintain biodiversity.

  • Breeding programmes for endangered species
  • Protection and rebuilding habitats
  • Replanting field margins and hedgerows
  • Reduce deforestation
  • Reduce carbon dioxide emissions
  • Recycling instead of landfilling
• What is the purpose of replanting hedgerows and field margins?

  To increase biodiversity in surrounding areas