# Explain why it is important to maintain high biodiversity within an ecosystem.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.4.7 Investigating Diversity · Explain · 5 marks

> Many ecosystems around the world are experiencing a decline in biodiversity due to human activities such as deforestation and intensive farming.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species living in an area / on Earth
2. Many species depend on other species for food / shelter / as part of food chains or webs
3. Loss of one species can cause other species to decline or become extinct
4. High biodiversity provides resources for humans, including medicines / food sources / raw materials
5. A more biodiverse ecosystem is more stable / more resistant to environmental change / less likely to collapse

## Key terms

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

## 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-it-is-important-to-57a6a225) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.