# Explain why intensive livestock farming is considered unsustainable and damaging to the environment.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 20.1 Food supply · Explain · 4 marks

> Intensive livestock production involves keeping large numbers of animals at high density, restricting their movement and maintaining a constant temperature to maximise meat and dairy yields.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Livestock produce large amounts of methane, which contributes to global warming / the greenhouse effect
2. Large amounts of land / forests must be cleared / deforested to make space for livestock farming
3. Destroying habitats / deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity / extinction of species
4. Intensive farming is unsustainable because it relies on non-renewable resources / cannot be maintained indefinitely without depleting resources / damaging the environment

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](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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