B6.1.3 - Loss Of Biodiversity

Question 1

Why is biodiversity essential for maintaining an ecosystem?

Answer 1

Species are interconnected so losing a species can lead to another being affected (chain reaction)

Question 2

What is the leading cause for loss of biodiversity?

Answer 2

Humans

Question 3

State reasons as to why there are losses of biodiversity.

Answer 3

Deforestation
Agriculture
Hunting
Pollution

Question 4

Describe the effects of deforestation on biodiversity.

Answer 4

Deforestation leads to loss of trees and the number of species living in those trees as they have lost their habitats. This can affect predator species

Question 5

Describe the effects of agriculture on biodiversity.

Answer 5

Removing hedgerows leads to less habitats for hedgehogs and mice.
Using pesticides reduce the population of pests and reduces food availability for other organisms
Using herbicides to reduce plant population and food availability

Question 6

Describe the effects of hunting on biodiversity.

Answer 6

Extreme hunting can lead to a severe drop in a species’ population.
It reduces the target species’ population, which affects predator population, and some plants performing better than others

Question 7

Describe the effects of pollution on biodiversity.

Answer 7

When pollutants enter an area, the organisms are affected. The more pollutants, the less surviving species.

Question 8

Why do humans cut down hedgerows and use pesticides when farming?

Answer 8

For an increased demand in food
Removal of hedgerows frees space for machinery
Pesticides and herbicides lead to more efficient plant growth

Question 9

Why do humans carry out deforestation?

Answer 9

For more resources like wood for shelter and fuel

Question 10

Why do humans hunt?

Answer 10

Because of an increase in demand for food