4.7.3 Biodiversity and human effects Flashcards
What is biodiversity?
The variety of different species of organisms on Earth or within an ecosystem.
Why are ecosystems more stable when there is high biodiversity?
Because different species depend on each other for things like shelter and food.
Name an ecosystem that has high biodiversity?
Deciduous woodland, tropical rainforest.
Name an ecosystem that has low biodiversity?
Arctic, desert
What causes water pollution?
Sewage and toxic chemicals from industry, fertilisers.
Name two greenhouse gases
Methane
Carbon dioxide
What human activities increase the amount of methane in the atmosphere?
Growing rice in paddy fields, intensively farming cattle.
What human activities increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Burning fossil fuels
How might flooding caused by global warming impact animals and plants
Animals and plants living in low lying areas may become flooded and their habitats may be destroyed.
What gas is released when peat is burned?
Carbon dioxide
What programmes are in place to increase biodiversity (or at least prevent the decline in biodiversity)?
- Breeding programmes
- Protection and regeneration of of rare habitats.
- Reduction of deforestation.
Give four effects of global warming that could reduce biodiversity in an area.
drought
flooding
temperature change
rainfall change
Deforestation increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Give three reasons why.
burning
activity of microbes
less photosynthesis
