Biodiversity

• Biodiversity = the number of different species in an area and how many individuals there are in each species
• Humans are causing biodiversity to decrease: more land is needed for farming, building roads, buildings, landfills and quarries -> less land available for habitats—> reduction in biodiversity -> possibility of extinction
• In exam always refer to biodiversity INCREASING or DECREASING based on information given
• Ways to conserve biodiversity:

  • CITES
  • SSSI
  • captive breeding
  • national parks / nature reserve
  • sperm banks
  • seed banks
  • legislation of fishing quotas
  • prevent poaching + hunting of animals
  • educational awareness
  • legislation on litter + pollution
• CITES = convention on international trade in endangered species -> legislation to prevent trade in endangered species as it is illegal
• SSSI = sites of special scientific interest -> allows ecosystems to develop unharmed as it is illegal to disturb wildlife or build, mine, etc
• Main ting biodiversity is important : provides us with a continued supply of food, industry materials and medicines
• Laws = legislations
• Explain how the formation of super colonies affect biodiversity

  Not as many different species so biodiversity decreases
• Explain how cutting down forests could affect biodiversity

  There is less forestland available for habitats so there is a reduction in biodiversity