# A conservation organisation is working to protect a rainforest region that contains thousands of species of plants, animals and microorganisms. Explain why maintaining high biodiversity in this rainforest is important, and suggest two ways the organisation could help to protect it.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — 2.5 Biodiversity · Explain · 5 marks

> Rainforests cover less than 6% of Earth's land surface but are estimated to contain more than half of the world's plant and animal species. Large areas of rainforest are cleared each year for agriculture and logging.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. High biodiversity means there is a greater variety of species / genes available
2. A stable ecosystem / food web is maintained because if one species is lost, others can fulfil a similar role / the ecosystem is less likely to collapse
3. Many species provide resources that humans rely on, such as medicines / food crops / raw materials
4. One valid suggestion to protect the rainforest, e.g. creating nature reserves / protected areas to prevent logging or farming in the region
5. A second valid and distinct suggestion, e.g. working with local communities / governments to promote sustainable land use / reforestation of cleared areas

## Key terms

- [biodiversity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biodiversity)
- [species](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/species)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-conservation-organisation-is-working-to-44777043) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.