# Explain how deforestation reduces biodiversity.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.7.3 Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Deforestation removes trees / removes habitats
2. Fewer species of organisms can survive / species are lost from the ecosystem
3. Food sources / resources are reduced, so consumers that depend on trees / plants cannot survive (interdependence)
4. This reduces the variety of living organisms in the ecosystem, so biodiversity decreases

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](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-deforestation-reduces-biodiversity-14608515) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.