# 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

> 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.

## 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

- [biodiversity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biodiversity)
- [peatlands](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/peatlands)

## 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-use-of-peatlands-6b3d08f4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.