How humans reduce biodiversity

Question 1

What is biodiversity?

Answer 1

• The variety of different species on Earth or within an ecosystem

Question 2

Why is biodiversity important?

Answer 2

• Makes an ecosystem stable: if one species is harmed, the rest can survive as there are loads of relationships to rely on
• Most of our medical drugs come from living organisms

Question 3

What has caused an increase need for resources in past years?

Answer 3

• Population has increased exponentially
• Each person puts more pressure on the environment

Question 4

How do humans harm biodiversity?

Answer 4

• Increased need for raw materials
• Raw materials are mined, which requires clearing of natural ecosystems that lived there (deforestation)
• We are using materials faster than they can be replenished
• We produce load of waste

Question 5

How does waste harm biodiversity?

Answer 5

• Waste makes its way into water, land or air
• Air pollution causes acid rain - harms organisms
• Water pollution pollutes lakes and rivers - harms aquatic organisms
• Land pollution - toxic chemicals seep into local ecosystems and harm organisms