Ecosystems and biodiversity - AQA SynergyPositive human impacts
An ecosystem is the living organisms in a particular area together with the non-living components of the environment, such as soil, air and water. An ecosystem is biodiverse if it contains many different species.
The increase in the human populationAll of the members of a single species that live within a geographical area. and waste it produces, deforestationThe cutting down of trees and forests to allow a different land use., peat bogPeat bogs are poorly drained areas made up of partially decomposed organic matter due to waterlogging. destruction and global warmingThe rise in the average temperature of the Earth's surface. are all reducing biodiversityThe range of animals and plants in a given area. .
conservationKeeping the environment healthy and productive by careful use of its resources. helps to stabilise or reverse the negative effects that human populations have on ecosystems. Conservation is the preservation of the natural environment, ecosystemThe living organisms in a particular area, together with the non-living components of the environment. and speciesA type of organism that is the basic unit of classification. Individuals of different species are not able to interbreed successfully..
Scientists and concerned members of the public help maintain biodiversity by:
breeding programmes to help to preserve endangered speciesAnimals that are close to extinction because of their low numbers., such as species of rhino and the giant panda
protection of endangered habitatA place where plants, animals and microorganisms live. and regeneration of habitats on a local, regional or national level
replanting hedgerows and creating borders around fields of crops - 'skylark strips' - because there is higher biodiversity in them than the fields of crops they surround
reducing deforestation - deforestation reduces the potential to store carbon and burning timber waste releases greenhouse gasThe gases responsible for global warming - carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).
recyclingReusing materials or reprocessing waste materials to produce new materials. rather than dumping waste in landfill sitesPlaces where refuse is buried underground.
Nicola Hallot from Knowsley Safari Park talks about the endangered animals at Knowsley including Père David's deer, Bactrian camel and scimitar-horned oryx. She also explains how zoos and safari parks across Europe work together to maintain biodiversity
