Biodiversity and the Effect of Humans on Ecosystems

• What is biodiversity?

  The variety of different species on Earth
• Why is biodiversity important?

  It maintains the stability of an ecosystem
• How does biodiversity ensure ecosystem stability?

  It reduces dependence on particular species
• What has caused an increase in human consumption of resources?

  Rapid rise in human population
• What are the two main reasons for increased waste production by humans?

  Rapid rise in population and living standards
• Where does pollution occur?

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

  Fertilizer pollution causes excessive algae growth
• Which human activities reduce land available for wildlife?

  Building, farming, quarrying, and waste disposal
• Why have peat bogs been destroyed?

  To produce compost for food production
• How does the destruction of peat bogs contribute to the greenhouse effect?

  Burning peat releases carbon dioxide
• Why have large-scale deforestation activities occurred?

  To provide land for cattle and crops
• What is the greenhouse effect?

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

  Increase in greenhouse gases like CO2
• What are the harmful effects of deforestation?

  Destruction of habitats and greenhouse gas release
• What are the consequences of global warming?

  Rising sea levels and changing weather patterns
• What are 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?

  Higher biodiversity in the margins than fields