Maintaining Biodiversity

• What is biodiversity?

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

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

  By increasing their population numbers
• What is the role of zoos in breeding programs?

  They lend their Sumatran tigers to other zoos
• What impact does habitat destruction have on biodiversity?

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


  Wetlands
• Why have many wetlands been drained?

  To grow crops
• What is being done to protect wetlands?

  Large areas have been protected from drainage
• What is the importance of field margins on farms?

  They allow wild plants and animals to live
• What are hedgerows?


  Plant barriers between fields
• How do hedgerows contribute to biodiversity?

  They support many species of plants and animals
• What role do governments play in maintaining biodiversity?

  They can reduce deforestation and emissions
• What has the Brazilian government done to protect biodiversity?

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

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

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

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

  It reduces habitat destruction
• 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