Scientists measure the biodiversity of different areas before and after farming practices change. Explain why an area of natural woodland is likely to have greater biodiversity than a field of wheat grown as a monoculture.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 6.3 Biodiversity · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Biodiversity is the variety of different species in an area. A natural woodland contains many plant species, whereas a wheat field is a monoculture with only one crop species.

The greater variety of plants in the woodland provides more food sources and habitats for a wider range of animals and other organisms.

In contrast, the wheat field is treated with pesticides and herbicides that kill non‑crop species, further reducing biodiversity.

Examiner tips

  • Use the term "biodiversity" early. Mention the monoculture nature of wheat. Explain how plant diversity supports animal diversity. Note the impact of chemicals on non‑crop species.

Common mistakes

  • Using vague words like "many" without specifying species. Forgetting to mention pesticides/herbicides. Mixing up the definition of biodiversity with ecosystem size.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species in an area / the woodland contains a greater variety of species than the wheat field
  2. A monoculture contains only one crop species / the wheat field has only one plant species growing
  3. A greater variety of plants in the woodland provides more food sources / habitats for a wider range of animals and other organisms
  4. Pesticides / herbicides used in the wheat field kill other species, further reducing biodiversity

Key terms in this question

biodiversity · monoculture

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