# Explain why a community with many different species of plants and animals has greater biodiversity than a community with fewer species, and describe one reason why high biodiversity is important for the stability of a community.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.4.6 Biodiversity Within a Community · Explain · 5 marks

> Scientists surveyed two woodland areas. Woodland A contained 25 different species of plants and animals. Woodland B contained 8 different species of plants and animals.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Biodiversity is the variety of different species (of organisms) in an area / community
2. Woodland A has greater biodiversity because it has a greater number / variety of different species
3. High biodiversity means there are more species in the food web / more feeding relationships available
4. If one species is lost / declines, other species can use alternative food sources / prey
5. This means the community / ecosystem is more stable / less likely to collapse if one species is removed

## Key terms

- [biodiversity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biodiversity)
- [community](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/community)
- [species](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/species)
- [stability](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/stability)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](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-why-a-community-with-many-b7954c4b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.