# Explain why maintaining high biodiversity within a community is important for the long-term stability of that community.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.4.6 Biodiversity Within a Community · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Greater biodiversity means more species are present / greater variety of species in the community
2. Food webs / food chains are more complex with more species, providing more feeding relationships
3. If one species is lost / becomes extinct, other species can fill its role / other food sources are available
4. This prevents / reduces the risk of other species dying out / going extinct if one species declines
5. Low biodiversity makes a community more vulnerable to disease / environmental change / loss of a key species causing collapse of the community

## Key terms

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

## 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-maintaining-high-biodiversity-within-00e87429) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.