topic 9 - ecosystems (preserving biodiversity) Flashcards
captivity
keeping something in unnatural surroundings, such as animals in a zoo
conservation
the protection of an area or species to prevent damage
endangered
an area or species that is at a great risk of destruction
reforestation
planting new forests where old forests have been cut down
conservation schemes
- protecting a species’ natural habitat
- protecting species in safe areas outside of their natural habitat + introducing captive breeding programs to increase numbers
- the use of seed banks to store and distribute the seeds of rare and endangered plants
benefits to maintaining biodiversity
- protecting the human food supply
- ensuring minimal damage to food chains
- providing future medicines
- cultural aspects
- ecotourism
- providing new jobs
how does protecting the human food supply benefit biodiversity
Overfishing has greatly reduced fish stocks in the world’s oceans. Conservation programmes can ensure that future generations will have fish to eat
how does ensuring minimal damage to food chains benefit biodiversity
if one species becomes extinct, it will affect all the organisms that feed on and are eaten by that species, so the whole food chain is affected
how does providing future medicines benefit biodiversity
many of the medicines we use today come from plants. Undiscovered plant species may contain new medicinal chemicals. If those plants become extinct, there’s a risk of losing out on valuable medicines
how does cultural aspects benefit biodiversity
individual species may be important in a nation’s or an area’s cultural heritage.
how does ecotourism benefit biodiversity
people are drawn to visit beautiful, unspoilt landscapes with a variety of animal and plant species. Ecotourism helps bring money into biodiverse areas where conservation work is taking place.
how does providing new jobs benefit biodiversity
things such as ecotourism, conservation schemes and reforestation schemes provide employment opportunities for local people
