Biodiversity

Question 1

What is biodiversity?

Answer 1

The variety of all the different species of organisms on Earth, or within a specific ecosystem.

Question 2

Name 3 ways people have tried to reduce negative impacts of humans on ecosystems.

Answer 2

1. Breeding programs for endangered species
2. Protection of hedgerows in agricultural areas
3. Protection and regeneration of rare habitats (e.g: as national parks)
4. Government policies to reduce deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions
5. Recycling
   Etc.

Question 3

How can pollution occur in water?

Answer 3

From sewage, fertiliser run-off, toxic chemicals…

Question 4

How can pollution in air occur?

Answer 4

From smoke, acidic gases…

Question 5

How can pollution on land occur?

Answer 5

Landfill, toxic chemicals…

Question 6

Why are more resources being used?

Answer 6

Rapid population growth so more demand, increase in standard of living

Question 7

What are the negative impacts of the destruction of peat bogs?

Answer 7

1. Reduces biodiversity
2. Carbon dioxide release into atmosphere

Question 8

Why have humans carried out large-scale deforestation in tropical areas?

Answer 8

1. Land for cattle and rice farming
2. Growing crops for biofuel production

Question 9

What is food security?

Answer 9

Where a population has an equal/sustainable amount of food available.

Question 10

What gases are contributing to global warming?

Answer 10

Carbon dioxide, methane

Question 11

How can fish stocks be maintained sustainably?

Answer 11

1. Controlling net sizes
2. Introducing fish quotas

Question 12

Name 2 ways biotechnology is used to maintain the growing human population.

Answer 12

1. Microorganisms cultured for food (e.g: mycoprotein from fusarium)
2. GM bacteria used in treatments (e.g: human insulin)
3. GM crops produce higher yields or improved nutritional value