Explain why deforestation can lead to the extinction of species, and suggest two conservation measures that could be used to protect forests from further destruction.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 20.4 Conservation · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Model answer (4 marks)

Deforestation removes large areas of forest, destroying the habitat that species depend on.

When habitat is lost, animals and plants can no longer find food, shelter or suitable breeding sites, so their populations fall and may eventually reach zero – extinction.

One conservation measure is to introduce legal quotas on logging, limiting how much forest can be cut.

A second measure is to educate logging companies and consumers about sustainable forestry practices, encouraging responsible use of forest resources.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word "habitat" and link loss to food, shelter and breeding sites. Show the cause–effect chain leading to extinction. Give two distinct measures: one legal/quotas, one education/sustainability.
  • common_mistakes
  • :
  • Failing to mention the loss of food/shelter/breeding sites. Giving the same type of measure twice (e.g. two quota schemes). Using vague terms like "protecting the forest" without specifying a concrete action.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Deforestation destroys the habitat of species living there
  2. Loss of habitat means species cannot find food / shelter / breeding sites, causing population numbers to decline to zero (extinction)
  3. One valid conservation measure — e.g. implementing legal quotas on logging to limit the amount of forest removed
  4. Second valid conservation measure — different from the first, e.g. education of logging companies and consumers about sustainable practices

Key terms in this question

deforestation · extinction · conservation

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