Explain why maintaining high biodiversity in an ecosystem is important for conservation.

OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B6.1 Monitoring and maintaining the environment · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Conservation organisations often monitor the variety of species present in ecosystems such as woodlands and wetlands. They use the data collected to decide whether human activities in those areas should be restricted or managed.

Model answer (4 marks)

Biodiversity is the variety of different organisms in an ecosystem.
1. A high level of biodiversity keeps the ecosystem stable because food webs are more resilient.
2. If one species disappears, many other species that depend on it can also decline or become extinct.
3. Therefore, maintaining high biodiversity protects the delicate balance of the environment.
4. Conservation aims to manage natural resources carefully so future generations can benefit from a healthy ecosystem.

Examiner tips

Use the exact terms ‘biodiversity’, ‘food webs’, ‘resilient’, ‘extinct’, and ‘conservation’ as in the mark scheme.
Show the link between species loss and ecosystem stability to gain full marks.

Common mistakes

Confusing biodiversity with species richness only; ignoring the stability aspect.
Failing to mention the long‑term benefit for future generations.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Biodiversity refers to the variety of different organisms living in an ecosystem
High biodiversity helps maintain the stability of the ecosystem / food webs are more resilient
Loss of one species can affect many others / reduction in biodiversity can cause other species to decline or become extinct
Conservation protects the careful management of the environment / natural resources for future generations

Key terms in this question

biodiversity · ecosystem · conservation