Key Facts Summary
Part of Biodiversity and Human Impacts · GCSE GCSE Biology revision
This key facts covers Key Facts Summary within Biodiversity and Human Impacts for GCSE Biology. Topic 5: Biodiversity and Human Impacts on Ecosystems It is section 10 of 16 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 10 of 16
Practice
20 questions
Recall
19 flashcards
📋 Key Facts Summary
- Biodiversity = variety of all different species on Earth or in an ecosystem
- Water pollution: sewage and fertiliser run-off cause eutrophication; toxic chemicals harm aquatic life
- Land pollution: landfill, toxic chemical dumping, pesticide residues damage soil and food chains
- Air pollution: smoke and acid rain damage forests and acidify lakes
- Land use: building, quarrying, farming, and dumping waste destroy habitats
- Deforestation for timber, biofuel, rice paddies, and cattle ranching is a major driver of biodiversity loss
- Peat bogs: destroying them releases ancient CO₂ and destroys specialist habitats
- Greenhouse gases (CO₂ and methane) from human activity drive global warming
- Global warming effects: sea level rise, habitat loss, species migration, food production changes
- Conservation methods: breeding programmes, SSSIs, reforestation, hedgerow schemes, seed banks, recycling
- Positive interactions: reforestation, conservation schemes, and recycling programmes can restore biodiversity
Quick Check: Name three reasons why forests are cleared by deforestation.
Any three from: to obtain timber; to create land for biofuel crops (e.g. palm oil, sugar cane); to create land for cattle ranching; to create land for rice paddies; to create land for farming (growing food crops); to build roads, towns, or infrastructure.