# Explain how the introduction of a non-native predator species to an island can reduce the biodiversity of that island's ecosystem.

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

> Conservation scientists have warned that non-native species introduced to island ecosystems can cause a rapid decline in the variety of living organisms found there.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The non-native predator has no natural predators on the island, so its population increases rapidly / is not controlled.
2. Native prey species are not adapted to the new predator so are preyed upon more heavily / cannot escape it effectively.
3. Native prey populations decrease / species may become extinct.
4. Loss of native species reduces biodiversity because there is less variety of living organisms in the ecosystem.

## Key terms

- [biodiversity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biodiversity)
- [predator](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/predator)
- [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-the-introduction-of-a-86d69ebf) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.