b18 Flashcards
define biodiversity
the variety of different species of organisms on earth or within an ecosystem
why is high biodiversity important
- makes sure that ecosystems are stable because different species depend on each other for shelter/food ect.
- diff species can also help maintain right physical environment for each other like the acidity of soil
why is biodiversity important for humans
the future of human species relies on good level of biodiversity, but human activities are reducing it and only recently has there been measures taken to try stop the reduction
what does rapid population growth lead to
more resources are being used and more waste is being produced which causes pollution if they are not properly handled
causes of water pollution
from sewage, fertilizers or toxic chemicals could pollute lakes rivers and oceans
causes of air pollution
from smoke and acidic gases - sulfur dioxide causing acid rain
causes of land pollution
from landfills and toxic chemicals.
- we bury nuclear waste underground too
why is pollution bad
it kills animals which reduces biodiversity
how do humans reduce amount of land available for other animals
by building, quarrying, farming and dumping waste
- the destruction of peat bogs and other areas of peat to produce compost reduces the area of this habitat therefore the variety of plants, animals and microorganism species that live there
why does deforestation normally happen
to provide land for cattle and rice fields, to grow crops for biofuels
define food security
when all people are able to access enough safe and nutritious food to meet their requirements for a healthy life, in ways the planet can sustain into the future.
what factors affect food security
changing population, changing diets, changing environment, pests and pathogens, costs, conflicts or wars
how does raising population effect food security
more people mean more people to feed, and it can be hard to meet the needs of the rising population
how does changing diets effect food security
as diets become wealthier, more food might be transported around the world, and more meat might start being consumed which is less efficient to produce than plant based food
