11.6 Factors Affecting Biodiversity

Question 1

In what ways do humans influence biodiversity?

Answer 1

• DEFORESTATION
• AGRICULTURE
• CLIMATE CHANGE

Question 2

In what ways does deforestation affect biodiversity?

Answer 2

• Reduces number of trees
• Reduces species biodiversity - if only a specific type of tree is felled
• Reduces number of animal species by destroying habitats
• Increases biodiversity of neighbouring areas by forcing migration

Question 3

In what ways does agriculture affect biodiversity?

Answer 3

• Deforestation - for farmland
• Reduces habitats & plant biodiversity by destroying hedgerows
• Reduces species biodiversity using pesticides & herbicides
• Reduces species biodiversity by monoculture - farming of 1 type of plant species

Question 4

In what ways does climate change affect biodiversity?

Answer 4

• Melting of ice caps >> extinction
• Rising sea levels & thermal expansion of oceans >> floods low-lying land
• Higher temperatures & less rainfall >> xerophytes die out
• Insect life cycles change >> extinction of plant species