# 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

## 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

- [monoculture](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monoculture)
- [biodiversity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biodiversity)
- [soil erosion](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/soil-erosion)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](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-the-clearing-of-forest-3a09b478) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.