Threats to Biodiversity Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is meant by a “threat to biodiversity”?

A threat to biodiversity is anything that reduces the number or variety of living things in an area. It can cause species to become rare or even extinct.

How does deforestation threaten biodiversity?

Deforestation is the cutting down of large areas of forest. It destroys habitats, so many animals and plants lose their food and shelter. This can cause populations to fall and species to die out.

How can water pollution reduce biodiversity in rivers and lakes?

Chemicals, sewage and rubbish can poison organisms in the water. Some species die, while only a few pollution-tolerant species survive. This lowers the variety of living things.

What is eutrophication and how can it harm aquatic life?

Eutrophication happens when fertilisers wash into rivers or lakes and make algae grow quickly. Thick algae block light, so plants below die. Bacteria break down dead plants and use up oxygen, so fish and other animals can suffocate.

How does air pollution, such as sulfur dioxide, threaten biodiversity?

Air pollution can cause acid rain. Acid rain damages leaves and roots and can make soil and water too acidic for some species. Plants, insects and other animals may die or move away.

How can climate change be a threat to biodiversity?

Climate change alters temperature and rainfall patterns. Some species cannot adapt or move to new areas fast enough. Their populations may fall and the risk of extinction increases.

What is an invasive (non-native) species and why is it a threat to biodiversity?

An invasive species is one that humans have brought to a new place where it does not usually live. It can spread quickly, compete with native species, eat them or bring disease. This can reduce native populations.

How does overfishing or overhunting reduce biodiversity?

Overfishing or overhunting removes organisms from a population faster than they can reproduce. Numbers fall and species can become endangered or extinct. This also upsets food webs.

Why does human population growth put extra pressure on biodiversity?

More people need more land, food, water and energy. This leads to more habitat loss, more pollution and more use of natural resources. All of these can reduce biodiversity.

How can intensive farming threaten biodiversity?

Intensive farming often uses large fields of a single crop and removes hedgerows. This reduces the number of different habitats. Pesticides can also kill non-pest insects and other wildlife, lowering biodiversity.

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