# Explain why using pesticides to increase crop yields can cause problems for ecosystems.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 6.4 Biological challenges of increasing food yields · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Pesticides can kill organisms other than the target pest (non-target species / beneficial insects such as bees / pollinators)
2. Pesticides can accumulate / build up in food chains (bioaccumulation / biomagnification), reaching toxic concentrations in top predators
3. Reduction in prey / plant species can reduce food availability for other organisms, disrupting food webs
4. Pests can develop resistance to pesticides over time, meaning higher doses or new pesticides are needed, causing further environmental damage

## Key terms

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

## 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-using-pesticides-to-increase-7d858b89) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.