Why biodiversity matters and why it is being lost
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Question
Define biodiversity.
Answer
The **variety of life** in an area — including **species, habitat and genetic** diversity.
Question
Define species richness.
Answer
The **number of different species** present in a community.
Question
Define ecosystem stability.
Answer
The ability of an ecosystem to **keep functioning and recover** after a disturbance.
Question
Name the three levels of biodiversity.
Answer
**Species** diversity, **habitat** diversity and **genetic** diversity.
Question
Why does high biodiversity make an ecosystem more stable?
Answer
Species' roles **overlap**, so if one species is lost **another can cover its role** — the ecosystem keeps working.
Question
Give two ways biodiversity is valuable to humans.
Answer
It provides **food and materials**, **medicines**, and **ecosystem services** (e.g. pollination, water cleaning).
Question
What is an ecosystem service? Give an example.
Answer
Free 'work' an ecosystem does for us — e.g. **bees pollinating crops** or wetlands cleaning water.
Question
Why is extinction such a serious loss?
Answer
It is **irreversible** — a species' genes and its ecological role are gone **forever**.
Question
Name three human causes of biodiversity loss.
Answer
**Habitat destruction**, **overexploitation** and **pollution** (also invasive species and climate change).
Question
What is the 'sixth mass extinction'?
Answer
The current **rapid, human-driven** loss of species, happening far faster than the natural background rate.
Question
In a 'Suggest why biodiversity matters' question, what should you link to?
Answer
Link **more species** to a **benefit** — usually greater **stability / resilience** or more **ecosystem services**.
Question
Why does just saying 'there are more species' score no marks?
Answer
You must **link** the extra species to a **consequence** (stability, services); the variety alone is not the mark.
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Full study notes for Why biodiversity matters and why it is being lost
Topic 1.9 hub
Conservation of biodiversity
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Biology exam skills
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