# Explain how overgrazing by cattle reduces biodiversity in a grassland ecosystem.

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

> Farmers sometimes allow too many cattle to graze on grassland. This is called overgrazing.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Overgrazing removes plant species / destroys vegetation
2. This reduces the variety of plant species in the ecosystem
3. Animals that depend on those plants for food / shelter lose their resources
4. This causes a decrease in the variety of animal species, reducing overall biodiversity

## Key terms

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

## 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-overgrazing-by-cattle-reduces-8da4e2c7) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.