B2 - Sustainability

Question 1

Define sustainable development.

Answer 1

Using resources for human needs without harming the environment.

Question 2

How are humans causing extinction?

Answer 2

• Human building activities destroy habitats.
• Humans often overhunt animals for food and pleasure.
• Human activities often pollute the environment.
• Humans outcompete animals for resources such as food.
• Climate change can cause species to die out, and human
activities may contribute to this climate change.

Question 3

Why do biologists conserve wildlife ?

Answer 3

• Species may be useful in the future in the development of
new medicines.
• Many species could represent future food supplies.
• Humans should consider damage not just to individual
species but to food chains as a whole.
• Humans have a duty to conserve the environment for
future generations to enjoy.

Question 4

List some conservation methods.

Answer 4

• protect habitats for species to live in
• artificial ecosystems replacing destroyed ones
• legal protection to stop hunting and trade
• seedbanks to store the seeds from rare plants
• education to make people aware of the problem,
• captive breeding in zoos to increase the population

Question 5

What are some strategies for maintaining the sustainability of fish and wood?

Answer 5

• Education – to avoid overuse and increase recycling.
• Quotas – shing limits used to prevent over shing.
• Replanting – replanting woodland after felling.

Question 6

How are whales being conserved ?

Answer 6

Captive programmes - allows breeding programme which increase numbers , and research into whale biology and provides tourism opportunities