# Explain how burning fossil fuels can lead to damage to trees and other plants.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 1.6.3 Human impact on the environment · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Burning fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide / nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere
2. These gases dissolve in water / rain to form acid rain
3. Acid rain damages / kills leaves or destroys the waxy cuticle of leaves
4. Acid rain makes soil more acidic, leaching minerals / nutrients from the soil so plants cannot absorb them / roots are damaged

## Key terms

- [fossil fuels](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fossil-fuels)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](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/explain-how-burning-fossil-fuels-can-b1fff917) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.