Explain how the use of peatlands as a source of garden compost reduces biodiversity.

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

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

Peat is extracted from peatland habitats and sold as compost for use in gardens. Environmental groups have campaigned to stop the sale of peat-based compost.

Model answer (4 marks)

Peatlands are specialised habitats that support a unique community of organisms.
Extraction of peat removes the peat layer, destroying the habitat.
Species that depend on the peatland for food, shelter or breeding sites are lost or displaced.
The loss of these species reduces the variety of living organisms, thereby lowering biodiversity in the ecosystem.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact wording from the mark scheme (e.g., "specialised/unique organisms", "destroying the habitat").
  • Show the causal chain: peat extraction → habitat loss → species loss → reduced biodiversity.
  • Keep each point short and directly linked to the marks.
  • Use UK spelling (e.g., "organisms").

Common mistakes

  • Confusing peat extraction with general deforestation; not mentioning the unique nature of peatland species.
  • Using vague terms like "damage" instead of "destroying the habitat".
  • Failing to link the loss of species to a reduction in biodiversity.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Peatlands are habitats that support a community of (specialised/unique) organisms
  2. Extraction/removal of peat destroys this habitat
  3. Organisms that depend on the peatland habitat lose their food source / shelter / are unable to survive
  4. This reduces the variety of living organisms / reduces biodiversity in the ecosystem

Key terms in this question

biodiversity · peatlands

Related

More Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →