# Scientists compared two areas of farmland. Area A had been managed using a single crop plant grown over the entire field. Area B had been managed using a variety of crop plants, hedgerows, and wild flower margins. Explain why Area B has greater biodiversity than Area A, and suggest one way in which the farmers could further increase biodiversity in Area A.

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

> Scientists compared two areas of farmland. Area A had been managed using a single crop plant grown over the entire field. Area B had been managed using a variety of crop plants, hedgerows, and wild flower margins.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Biodiversity refers to the variety / number of different species present in an area
2. Area B has a greater variety of habitats / food sources / niches, which supports a greater variety of animal and plant species
3. Area A has low biodiversity because growing only one crop (monoculture) means only species suited to that one plant / habitat can survive there
4. A valid suggestion to increase biodiversity in Area A, e.g. planting hedgerows / wild flower strips / reducing use of pesticides or herbicides / creating ponds / leaving field margins uncut

## Key terms

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

## 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/scientists-compared-two-areas-of-farmland-ded280a6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.