Biodiversity & Maintaining it

What is biodiversity?

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

Why is high biodiversity important?

High biodiversity helps ensure the stability of ecosystems by reducing the dependence of one species on another for food, shelter and maintenance of the physical environment.

Why should biodiversity be maintained?

Human survival and well-being depend on stable ecosystems and the resources/services they provide.

Give methods used to maintain biodiversity.

Breeding programmes for endangered species -- Protection and regeneration of rare habitats -- Reintroduction of field margins and hedgerows -- Reduction of deforestation -- Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions -- Recycling resources rather than dumping waste in landfill

How do breeding programmes help endangered species?

They increase population size and can help prevent extinction.

Why protect and regenerate habitats?

This provides organisms with the resources and conditions needed to survive and reproduce, helping maintain populations and biodiversity.

Why are field margins and hedgerows useful?

They provide habitats, food and shelter for a variety of organisms in agricultural areas.

Why does recycling help biodiversity?

It reduces the need to extract new resources and reduces waste sent to landfill, decreasing habitat destruction and pollution.