Maintaining biodiversity Flashcards – AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Higher

How does burning fossil fuels affect atmospheric carbon dioxide?

It releases carbon dioxide, increasing its concentration in the atmosphere.

How does carbon dioxide contribute to climate change?

It contributes to the greenhouse effect.

How can climate change affect species’ habitats?

It can alter habitats and the conditions species need to survive.

How can climate change reduce biodiversity when species cannot adapt or move?

Those species may decline, reducing biodiversity.

Why can governments reduce carbon dioxide emissions to protect ecosystems?

To limit their contribution to further climate change and its effects on ecosystems.

How can habitat destruction and degradation cause populations and biodiversity to decline?

They reduce the places where organisms can live, feed and reproduce.

How does protecting rare habitats help prevent damage to them?

It limits damaging activities.

What is the aim of regenerating damaged habitats?

To help them recover and support their characteristic communities again.

How does removing field margins and hedgerows affect agricultural areas growing a single crop?

It reduces habitat variety.

What three resources can reintroduced field margins and hedgerows provide for organisms?

Food, shelter and breeding sites.

How can hedgerows help organisms move between habitats?

They connect areas of habitat.

What is recycling?

Processing discarded materials so they can be used again rather than sent to landfill.

How can recycling help protect biodiversity through its effect on landfill?

Less waste needs landfill, reducing land use and potential habitat damage or pollution.

How can recycling help protect biodiversity through its effect on raw materials?

It reduces demand for newly extracted raw materials, limiting habitat damage caused by obtaining them.

What is the aim of a breeding programme for an endangered species?

To maintain or increase its population size and reduce its risk of extinction.

Why are breeding pairs selected in endangered-species programmes?

To retain genetic diversity and limit inbreeding.

Why is inbreeding a concern in endangered-species populations?

It can increase the likelihood of harmful inherited conditions.

What are two ways offspring from endangered-species breeding programmes may support populations in the wild?

They may reinforce existing wild populations or reintroduce a species to suitable habitat.

What two conditions support the long-term success of an endangered-species population?

The availability of suitable habitat and the control of threats.

What is deforestation?

The clearance of forest.

What are two common reasons for deforestation?

To obtain timber or make land available for agriculture.

How does deforestation affect resources available to forest organisms?

Habitat destruction reduces their food, shelter and breeding sites.

What effect can forest habitat fragmentation have on populations?

It can separate populations.

How can deforestation reduce biodiversity?

Species may decline or become locally extinct.

How does reducing deforestation help protect species and ecological relationships?

It retains more forest habitat.