Describe how human activities can reduce biodiversity.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.1.2 Biodiversity · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Human activities such as deforestation, urbanisation and agriculture destroy natural habitats, removing the trees, grasslands or wetlands that many species rely on. For example, cutting down forests for timber or converting land to farms removes the shelter and food sources that forest animals need. When these habitats are lost, species cannot survive and may die out or be forced to migrate. As a result, the number of species in an area falls and the overall variety of life – biodiversity – is reduced.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word "destroy" or "degrade" for habitat loss; give a specific example (e.g., deforestation).
  • Explain the chain: loss of habitat → loss of food/shelter → species decline → lower biodiversity. Keep answer concise to fit 4 marks.

Common mistakes

  • Vague statements like ‘people harm nature’ without linking to habitat loss.
  • Failing to name a specific human activity such as deforestation or urbanisation.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Habitat destruction / destruction of natural habitats
  2. Named human activity that destroys or degrades habitat
  3. Species lose their food source or shelter / species cannot survive
  4. Fewer species / reduced variety of species remains, so biodiversity decreases

Key terms in this question

biodiversity

Related

More Biodiversity questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →