Module 4:Biodiversity(reasons/methods for maintaining)

Question 1

What are the three categories that organise the reasons for maintaining biodiversity?

Answer 1

aesthetic
economical
ecological

Question 2

Name and explain the three aesthetic reasons for maintaining biodiversity

Answer 2

-the presence of different plants and animals in the environment enriches our lives

-provides inspiration for musicians / writers etc that can then produce pleasure for others through music/books
-studies show patients recover faster from stress and injury when supported by a natural environment

Question 3

What is the main economical reason for maintaining biodiversity?

Answer 3

if the biodiversity in eco systems is maintained the levels of LT productivity will be higher

Question 4

How does soil erosion and desertification affect the economy?

Answer 4

it reduces a countries ability to grow crops and feed its population which can lead to dependence on other countries for resources

Question 5

Why is it important to conserve all organisms we use to make things?

Answer 5

because non sustainable removal of resources will eventually lead to the area of industry collapsing

Question 6

What effect does large scale habitat / biodiversity loss have on the economy?

Answer 6

means species that may have potential economic importance might become extinct before they are even discovered

Question 7

How does an area with rich biodiversity affect the economy?

Answer 7

they provide a pleasing and attractive environment that people can enjoy which attracts tourism which will benefit the economy

Question 8

How does continuous monoculture affect the economy?

2 points

Answer 8

it results in soil depletion as the crops only take up the same specific nutrients and are then harvested so the nutrients cant be recycled

makes the ecosystem more fragile and vulnerable to new pests and diseases so farmers will be increasingly reliant on expensive pesticides

Question 9

What are the ecological reasons for maintaining biodiversity?

give 2

Answer 9

-all organisms are interdependent on others for their survival so removal of one species may significantly effect another species

-protecting keystone species as they have a large effect on their environment and have a low abundance , when they are removed they drastically change the environment and effect other species

Question 10

What is a keystone species ?
What do they do(2)

Answer 10

a species that plays a key role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community

they help determine the species richness/evenness of the community
they affect the other organisms in the eco system