11.7 Reasons for Maintaining Biodiversity

Question 1

What are the reasons for maintaining biodiversity?

Answer 1

• AESTHETICS
• ECONOMY
• ECOLOGY

Question 2

What are the aesthetic reasons for maintaining biodiversity?

Answer 2

• Woodlands/parks provide enrichment
• Inspiration for writers/musicians
• Patients recover more quickly when surrounded by natural environments

Question 3

What are the economic reasons for maintaining biodiversity?

Answer 3

• Desertification & soil erosion >> dependence on other countries for resources
• Non-sustainable removal of resources >> collapse industries
• Habitat & biodiversity losses >> medically useful species could go extinct
• Areas with rich biodiversity >> tourism
• High biodiversity provides protection from abiotic stresses >> less likely for all crops to die out & cause famine

Question 4

What are the ecological reasons for maintaining biodiversity?

Answer 4

• Causing change in population of 1 species can affect large part of ecosystem due to interdependence
• Keystone species must be protected

Question 5

What is a keystone species?

Answer 5

Species which are essential for maintaining biodiversity

have a disproportionately large effect on environment

relative to abundance