Explain how the extraction of natural resources from a forest can lead to a reduction in biodiversity in that 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)

Extraction of natural resources such as logging or mining removes trees and the forest structure.

The loss of trees destroys the habitat, food and shelter that many species depend on, so their populations fall or they become extinct.

When key species decline, the food chain and food web are disrupted, causing further losses of other species.

The total number of species in the area therefore decreases, reducing biodiversity.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word "extract" or "remove" for resource extraction. Mention loss of habitat, food and shelter. Show the chain reaction in food webs. Finish with a statement about the overall drop in species number.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing resource extraction with natural causes. Failing to link habitat loss to population decline. Omitting the effect on food chains. Using vague terms like "many animals" instead of specific impacts.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Resource extraction (e.g. logging / mining) destroys / removes the forest habitat
  2. Species that lived in that habitat lose their habitat / food source / shelter and their populations decrease or they may become extinct
  3. This disrupts food chains / food webs, causing further species to decline
  4. The overall number of different species in the area decreases, so biodiversity is reduced

Key terms in this question

biodiversity

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