S4.3.8 For the adult
Biodiversity and people
Why does it matter if a forest is cleared or a river is polluted, and how can people protect living things?
What this chapter teaches
Biodiversity is the variety of living things. Habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, overhunting and climate change reduce it. Conservation methods include nature reserves, habitat corridors, seed banks, breeding programmes and laws, and each has gains and limits.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- How can fertiliser in a river lead to fish dying?
- What does a habitat corridor do that a small reserve alone cannot?
- What is one limit of a seed bank, and one of a breeding programme?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Explain how habitat loss, pollution and invasive species reduce biodiversity
- Evaluate ways to conserve species, such as reserves and seed banks
What they copy into their notebook
Habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, overhunting and climate change reduce biodiversity. Reserves, corridors, seed banks, breeding programmes and laws help, and each has limits.