# 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

> 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.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

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

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](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-maintaining-high-biodiversity-in-acdf3fc6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.