Explain how the clearing of forest land to make space for monoculture farming can lead to a reduction in biodiversity and an increase in soil erosion in the affected area.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 20.2 Habitat destruction · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Model answer (4 marks)

Clearing forest land removes the habitat of many species, so they lose food and shelter and die or disappear from the area.

Monoculture farming grows only one crop species, which reduces the number of plant and animal species in the area and disrupts food chains.

Without tree roots to anchor the soil, the soil is no longer held in place.

The unanchored soil is carried away by rain, water or wind, causing soil erosion and reducing soil fertility.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word "clearing" to show the cause, "habitat loss" to explain the effect on biodiversity. Mention "monoculture" and its impact on species numbers. Explain the role of tree roots in preventing erosion. Show the chain: loss of roots → soil unanchored → erosion → loss of fertility.

Common mistakes

  • Failing to mention that monoculture reduces species diversity. Using vague terms like "damage" instead of "erosion". Omitting the link between root loss and soil erosion.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Clearing forest destroys the habitat of many species, so they lose their food source or shelter and die / are lost from the area.
  2. Monoculture means only one species of crop is grown, reducing the number of different species in the area / disrupting food chains.
  3. Without tree roots to anchor the soil, the soil is no longer held in place.
  4. The unanchored soil is carried away by rain / water / wind, leading to soil erosion, reducing soil fertility.

Key terms in this question

monoculture · biodiversity · soil erosion

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