Biodiveristy DOC

Question 1

What is the definition of biodiversity?

Answer 1

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on earth or the variety of living things in a given ecosystem or region.

Question 2

What two words combine to form the term ‘biodiversity’?

Answer 2

Biological and diversity

Question 3

What types of living things are included in biodiversity?

Answer 3

Bacteria, plants, animals, and humans

Question 4

Why is biodiversity important?

Answer 4

It plays a vital role in ecosystem services.

Question 5

What are some examples of ecosystem services provided by biodiversity?

Answer 5

• Pollination
• Climate regulation
• Flood protection
• Soil fertility
• Supply of food, fuel, fibre, and medicines

Question 6

What is the water requirement for producing 1 kilogram of cotton?

Answer 6

Approximately 20,000 liters of water

Cotton is considered a highly water-intensive crop.

Question 7

In what types of regions is cotton primarily grown?

Answer 7

Arid and semi-arid regions

These regions often face water scarcity issues.

Question 8

What percentage of the world’s arable land does cotton occupy?

Answer 8

2.4%

Despite this small percentage, cotton is highly agrochemical-intensive.

Question 9

What percentages of global insecticides and pesticides are used for cotton cultivation?

Answer 9

• 22.5% of insecticides
• 10% of all pesticides

This disproportionate use of chemicals impacts biodiversity.

Question 10

Name two targeted insects that insecticides are used to control in cotton cultivation.

Answer 10

• Boll weevils
• Aphids

Insecticides also affect non-target species.

Question 11

True or False: Cotton is one of the least agrochemical-intensive crops.

Answer 11

False

Cotton is one of the most agrochemical-intensive crops.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Cotton applies _______ of the world’s insecticides.

Answer 12

22.5%

This significant percentage reflects the chemical intensity of cotton farming.

Question 13

What are some consequences of heavy pesticide use in cotton farming?

Answer 13

Serious consequences for biodiversity

Beneficial insects like bees and butterflies are also affected.

Question 14

What role do pollinators play in ecosystems and agriculture?

Answer 14

Pollinators (e.g., bees, butterflies, and moths) aid in the pollination of crops and wild plants, maintaining ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

Pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants, which in turn supports biodiversity.

Question 15

What is a significant cause of the decline in pollinator populations?

Answer 15

The overuse of pesticides in cotton farming contributes to the decline of pollinator populations.

Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides linked to this decline, particularly affecting honeybees.

Question 16

What are neonicotinoids?

Answer 16

A class of insecticides used in many cotton-growing regions, linked to colony collapse disorder in honeybees.

Neonicotinoids have been shown to reduce bee populations, which are essential for pollination.

Question 17

What are the effects of declining bee populations on biodiversity?

Answer 17

A decrease in bee populations can lead to reduced plant biodiversity, which affects habitats and food sources for other species.

This creates a cascading effect throughout ecosystems.

Question 18

What is toxic runoff, and how does it affect local ecosystems?

Answer 18

Toxic runoff refers to pesticides and chemicals that leach into water bodies, contaminating rivers, lakes, and soil, negatively affecting aquatic ecosystems.

It can lead to the death of fish and amphibians and alter the nutrient composition of water systems.

Question 19

How do pesticides affect soil biodiversity?

Answer 19

Pesticides can kill soil organisms such as earthworms, bacteria, and fungi, which are essential for soil health.

Healthy soil ecosystems are crucial for water filtration, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The overuse of __________ in cotton farming has contributed to the decline of pollinator populations.

Answer 20

pesticides

Question 21

True or False: The decline in pollinator populations has no significant impact on local ecosystems.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

What are some consequences of soil degradation caused by pesticides?

Answer 22

Negative effects on soil biodiversity, reduced soil health, impaired water filtration, and disrupted nutrient cycling.

Soil organisms play critical roles in maintaining the ecosystem’s health and functionality.

Question 23

What is overgrazing?

Answer 23

Overgrazing occurs when sheep (or other grazing animals) consume vegetation faster than it can naturally regenerate.

This depletes plant cover, leaving the land exposed and vulnerable.

Question 24

What is selective grazing?

Answer 24

Selective grazing is when sheep tend to graze selectively, eating the most palatable plants first.

This leads to the over-consumption of certain species.

Question 25

What is the impact of selective grazing on plant biodiversity?

Answer 25

It creates an imbalance in plant diversity by allowing less desirable species, often invasive plants, to thrive. ## Footnote This is because native grasses and wildflowers are over-consumed.

Question 26

What happens to native plants due to overgrazing?

Answer 26

As native plants are eaten away, invasive species can take over, reducing biodiversity. ## Footnote This is particularly evident in grasslands, meadows, and uplands where sheep farming is common.

Question 27

What is a consequence of losing native plants?

Answer 27

Once lost, native plants are difficult to reestablish, affecting the whole ecosystem. ## Footnote This can lead to a decline in overall ecosystem health and resilience.

Question 28

What example illustrates the impact of sheep farming on native vegetation?

Answer 28

In many parts of the UK, sheep farming has contributed to the loss of native heathlands. ## Footnote This has reduced the abundance of species like heather and allowed non-native grasses to dominate.

Question 29

What effect does overgrazing have on soil?

Answer 29

Overgrazing reduces plant cover, leaving soil exposed to wind and water erosion.

Question 30

What happens to the roots of plants when soil is exposed due to erosion?

Answer 30

The roots of plants that once held the soil together are no longer effective.

Question 31

What is lost due to soil erosion that is essential for plant growth?

Answer 31

Topsoil.

Question 32

What is the consequence of decreased soil fertility due to erosion?

Answer 32

Nutrients are washed or blown away, making it harder for plants to regrow.

Question 33

What term describes the process where fertile land becomes barren due to erosion?

Answer 33

Desertification.

Question 34

How does erosion impact waterways?

Answer 34

Erosion can lead to sedimentation in nearby rivers and streams, harming aquatic ecosystems.

Question 35

What are the effects of sedimentation on water quality and aquatic habitats?

Answer 35

It reduces water quality and alters habitats for fish and other aquatic species.

Question 36

What is Sheep Monoculture?

Answer 36

A farming system where large areas of land are dedicated to a single species, specifically sheep. ## Footnote Monocultures are less resilient to disease, climate change, and pests.

Question 37

What is a consequence of Reduced Habitat Variety in sheep farming?

Answer 37

Limits the variety of habitats available for other wildlife. ## Footnote Large sheep farms may displace birds, small mammals, and insects that require specific plants or habitats to survive.

Question 38

Which native species have declined in Australia and New Zealand due to sheep farming?

Answer 38

Australian bustard and the threatened tuatara. ## Footnote Declines are primarily due to habitat destruction and overgrazing.

Question 39

How does sheep farming affect local ecosystems?

Answer 39

It often leads to the introduction of non-native grasses that outcompete native species. ## Footnote This further reduces biodiversity and alters local ecosystems.

Question 40

What chemicals are sometimes used in large sheep farms?

Answer 40

Pesticides and herbicides. ## Footnote These chemicals are used to control pests and weeds, harming local flora and fauna.

Question 41

True or False: Monoculture farming systems support a wide range of other species.

Answer 41

False. ## Footnote Monocultures often fail to support diverse species.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: Sheep farming often leads to the introduction of _______ that are more suitable for grazing.

Answer 42

non-native grasses