Topic 7 - Biodiversity And Waste Management

Question 1

What is biodiversity?

Answer 1

Biodiversity is the variety of different species of organisms on Earth, or within an ecosystem

Question 2

Why is high biodiversity important?

Answer 2

High biodiversity makes sure ecosystems are stable. This is because different species depend on each other for things such as shelter and food. They can also help maintain the right physical environment for each other (e.g. soil acidity)

Question 3

Why is population rising so quickly?

Answer 3

Mainly due to modern farming and medicine methods as they have reduced the number of people dying from disease and hunger

Question 4

Why is there an increased demand from the environment?

Answer 4

• Increasing population puts pressure on environment as resources to survive are taken out
• People are demanding a higher standard of living so we use more raw materials and more energy for manufacturing processes

Question 5

How are we causing water pollution (waste)?

Answer 5

Sewage and toxic chemicals from industry can pollute water bodies, which affects plants and animals relying on them for survival.

Chemicals used on land (fertilizer) can be washed into water

Question 6

How are we causing land pollution (waste)?

Answer 6

• Toxic chemicals used for farming

- Household waste dumped in landfill sites

Question 7

How are we causing air pollution (waste)?

Answer 7

Smoke and acidic particles released inti the air (e.g. sulfur dioxide > acid rain)