# Explain why an increase in the global human population is a threat to food security.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 9.2 Food security · Explain · 4 marks

> The global human population is predicted to reach approximately 10 billion by 2050. Scientists are concerned about the ability of food production systems to meet the demands of this growing population.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A larger population requires more food / greater demand for food
2. More land is needed for agriculture / habitats are destroyed to create farmland, reducing the area available for food production per person
3. Resources such as water and fertilisers become limited / overuse of land reduces soil fertility
4. This makes it harder to ensure populations have access to adequate amounts of safe and nutritious food / food security is threatened

## Key terms

- [food security](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/food-security)
- [population](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/population)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-an-increase-in-the-afb03d10) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.