11.7 Reasons for maintaining biodiversity

Question 1

what are the three main reasons for maintaining biodiversity?

Answer 1

aesthetic
economical
ecological

Question 2

aesthetic reasons

Answer 2

plants and animals gives us way to relax

provides inspiration for artists, authors and musicians

Question 3

economic reasons

Answer 3

conserving raw materials

new medicines and vaccines

soil nutrition

attract tourism

protection against abiotic stresses and disease

Question 4

conserving raw materials

Answer 4

important for future world development as raw materials may run out due to over-usage or deforestation

Question 5

new medicines and vaccines

Answer 5

important in dealing with new diseases and conditions

many plants and animals which are yet to be discovered may provide sources for these new medicines

therefore important to maintain habitat and species diversity

Question 6

soil nutrition

Answer 6

mono-culture will lead to depletion of the soil which means soil has less nutrients for plant growth

by maintaining soil nutrition, farmers wont need to buy expensive fertilisers and pesticides

Question 7

attracts tourism

Answer 7

maintaining biodiversity provides tourist attractions such as rainforests

eco-tourism

Question 8

protection from abiotic stresses and disease

Answer 8

high diversity means less likely for a single disease to wipe out an entire produce

Question 9

ecological reasons

Answer 9

interdependence

keystone species

Question 10

interdependence

Answer 10

many organisms rely on each other for survival

FOOD CHAIN

so maintaining species biodiversity prevents the extinction of other species

Question 11

keystone species

Answer 11

many species are vital in the functioning of an ecosystem

thus if they are removed there will be a major change in the community (could lead to extinction)

important to maintain biodiversity to prevent major changes