Biodiversity

• Biodiversity is the variety of different species of organisms on Earth, or within an ecosystem
• High biodiversity is important as it makes sure ecosystems are stable as different species depend on each other for things like shelter and food. It also helps maintain the right physical environment for eachother
• Human population is rapidly increasing due to:

  • Medicine
  • Farming
• The growing population puts pressure on the environment:

  • Demanding a higher standard of living
  • More raw materials
  • Higher energy demand
  • Higher food demand
• Waste production

  • Sewage and toxic chemicals from industry can pollute lakes, rivers and oceans. Chemicals used on lands can be washed into water, increasing algae growth and killing plants & animals
  • We bury nuclear waste underground and dump household waste in landfill sites
  • Smoke and acidic gases released pollute the air. Sulfur dioxide can cause acid rain