factors affecting biodiversity Flashcards
1
Q
what is deforestation?
A
the permanent removal of large areas of forest to provide wood for building, fuel and space
2
Q
how does deforestation occur?
A
- naturally e.g forest fires
- indirectly by humans through acid rain due to pollution
3
Q
how does deforestation affect biodiversity?
A
- if a specific type of tree is removed, decreases biodiversity
- animal species present reduced as destroyed habitat/food source
- animals forced to migrate to other areas which increases biodiversity of these areas
4
Q
what is agriculture?
A
large amounts of land removed and some planted with a single crop to feed a growing population
5
Q
how does agriculture occur?
A
- farmers select high yielding species which reduces biodiversity
- removal of hedgerows so larger machinery can be used
- chemical use e.g pesticides
6
Q
how does agriculture affect biodiversity?
A
- reduces organisms food
- acres of land used for one species = monoculture
- decreases biodiversity
7
Q
what is climate change?
A
release of CO2 and other pollutants from burning fossil fuels
8
Q
how does climate change occur?
A
- average amount of water vapour in the atmosphere increases
- glaciers and snow cover declined, sea levels rise
9
Q
how does climate change affect biodiversity?
A
- extinction of species in glacier regions
- species migrate to more favourable conditions
- salt water flows into rivers and reduce freshwater plant habitats
- higher temp and less rainfall = xerophytes dominant
