11.6

• Human population is increasing rapidly due to changes in infrasture, medicine etc.
• Deforestation reduces species diversity if one specific type is felled
• Deforestation reduces animal species present as their habitats are destroyed
• Deforestation reduces amount of carbon dioxide absorbed, and causes more to be released
• Removal of Hedgerows reduces plant species and destroys animal habitats
• Chemicals (e.g pesticides, herbicides) destroy pest species & weeds
• Monoculture reduces the number of animal species supported as only one species is being grown
• Melting of polar ice caps due to global warming leads to extinction of Arctic species
• Rising sea levels (from melting ice & thermal expansion) causes flooding to low-lying land
• Saltwater flowing further up rivers due to flooding reduces freshwater species' habitats
• High temperatures & less rainfall due to climate change causes xerophytes to become more dominant
• Insects have to adapt to climate change which can lead to extinction of reliant plants
• Factors affecting biodiversity: Deforestation, Agriculture, Climate Change