# Explain why maintaining high biodiversity is important for the long-term survival of ecosystems.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.1.2 Biodiversity · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A greater variety of species means more stable food webs / food chains
2. If one species is lost, other species can fill the same role / act as an alternative food source, so the ecosystem is less likely to collapse
3. Many species provide resources that humans depend on, such as medicines, food crops or materials
4. Loss of one species can negatively affect other species / cause a knock-on effect through the ecosystem

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](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-maintaining-high-biodiversity-is-77c531a4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.