Maintaining Biodiversity

• What is biodiversity?

  The variety of different species of organisms
• Why is rich biodiversity important for ecosystems?

  It helps to make ecosystems more stable
• How can breeding programs help endangered species?

  By increasing their population numbers
• How many Sumatran tigers remain in the wild?

  Only a few hundred
• What is the role of zoos in breeding programs for endangered species?

  They lend their animals to other zoos
• What effect does habitat destruction have on biodiversity?

  It can reduce biodiversity
• What type of habitat is shown to have high biodiversity?

  Wetlands
• What has happened to many wetlands over the last century?

  They have been drained to grow crops
• What is being done to protect drained wetlands?

  They are being refloated
• How do farmers help preserve biodiversity on their farms?

  By leaving field margins and planting hedgerows
• What are field margins?

  Strips of land around fields for wildlife
• What is the benefit of hedgerows on farms?

  They support different species of plants and animals
• How do governments contribute to maintaining biodiversity?

  By reducing deforestation and carbon emissions
• What has the Brazilian government done to protect biodiversity?

  Established national parks in the Amazon
• How does generating electricity from renewable methods help biodiversity?

  It reduces carbon dioxide emissions
• What is one way individuals can help reduce biodiversity loss?

  By recycling waste materials
• What happens to habitats when waste is dumped into landfills?

  They are destroyed for plants and animals
• What is the effect of recycling on landfills?

  It reduces waste in landfills
• How does reducing waste positively affect biodiversity?

  Fewer habitats are destroyed
• What are the main strategies to reduce biodiversity loss?

  • Breeding programs for endangered species
  • Protection and regeneration of habitats
  • Use of field margins and hedgerows on farms
  • Government actions to reduce deforestation and emissions
  • Individual actions like recycling waste