Biodiversity

• What is meant by biodiversity?

  The variety of different species of organisms
• How can biodiversity refer to an individual ecosystem?

  It describes the variety of species in that ecosystem
• Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?

  Species depend on each other for food
• What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

  They break down remains of dead organisms
• How does a high level of biodiversity affect ecosystem stability?

  It makes ecosystems less dependent on one species
• What negative effect do humans have on biodiversity?

  Deforestation reduces biodiversity
• What type of forests contain rich biodiversity?

  Tropical forests
• Why are large areas of tropical forests being destroyed?

  To provide land for agriculture and grazing
• What is one use of the land cleared from tropical forests?

  Rice fields
• What is another use of the land cleared from tropical forests?

  Grazing cattle
• What crops are often grown on land cleared for agriculture?

  Crops for biofuels
• What are the key concepts related to biodiversity and deforestation?

  • Biodiversity: variety of species
  • Importance: species interdependence
  • Deforestation: negative impact on biodiversity
  • Tropical forests: rich in biodiversity
  • Land use: agriculture and grazing