EcologyIntroduction

The Sixth Mass Extinction

Part of Biodiversity and Human Impacts · GCSE GCSE Biology revision

This introduction covers The Sixth Mass Extinction within Biodiversity and Human Impacts for GCSE Biology. Topic 5: Biodiversity and Human Impacts on Ecosystems It is section 1 of 16 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 1 of 16

Practice

20 questions

Recall

19 flashcards

🌍 The Sixth Mass Extinction

Scientists estimate that species are disappearing up to 1,000 times faster than they would naturally. We are living through the sixth mass extinction in Earth's history — and for the first time, one species is responsible: us. But here's the thing: biodiversity is not just about saving pretty animals. It is the web of life that keeps our planet functioning. Every species lost is a thread pulled from that web.

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Biodiversity and Human Impacts. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Biodiversity and Human Impacts

What is the best definition of biodiversity?

  • A. The total number of individual organisms in an ecosystem
  • B. The variety of all different species of organisms on Earth or within a particular ecosystem
  • C. The process by which species adapt to their environment over time
  • D. The number of plants found in a habitat
1 markfoundation

Explain why deforestation leads to a reduction in biodiversity.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is biodiversity?
The variety of all different species of organisms on Earth, or within a particular ecosystem. Includes the range of different habitats and genetic variation within species.
What is eutrophication and what causes it?
Eutrophication is when excess nutrients (from fertiliser or sewage run-off) enter water. This causes rapid algae growth, blocking sunlight to underwater plants. When algae die and decompose, oxygen is used up, killing aquatic organisms.

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