BiodiversitySpec 4.7.3.1
In short
Biodiversity is the variety of all the different species of organisms on Earth, or within an ecosystem. A great biodiversity ensures the stability of ecosystems by reducing the dependence of one species on another for food, shelter and the maintenance of the physical environment. Many human activities are reducing biodiversity, and the future of humans relies on maintaining it.
- Biodiversity
- The variety of all the different species of organisms on Earth, or within an ecosystem.
A great biodiversity ensures the stability of ecosystems by reducing the dependence of one species on another for food, shelter and the maintenance of the physical environment.
The future of the human species on Earth relies on us maintaining a good level of biodiversity. Many human activities are reducing biodiversity, and only recently have measures been taken to try to stop this reduction.
The next sections explain how waste, land use, deforestation and global warming each have an impact on biodiversity.
Exam tip:Biodiversity is about the number of different species, not the number of individuals. A field with a million of one species has low biodiversity.
Written and checked against the AQA GCSE Combined Science (8464) specification · Updated October 2026
Frequently asked questions
Why is biodiversity important to ecosystems?
Biodiversity is important because a great biodiversity ensures the stability of ecosystems. With many different species, each species depends less on any one other species for food, shelter and the maintenance of the physical environment. The future of the human species on Earth also relies on us maintaining a good level of biodiversity.
How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?
Deforestation increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Fewer trees means less photosynthesis, so less carbon dioxide is removed from the air, and the decay and burning of the cleared trees release more carbon dioxide. Higher carbon dioxide levels contribute to global warming, and destroying the forest habitat also reduces biodiversity.
What are the biological consequences of global warming?
The biological consequences of global warming include loss of habitats as ice melts or rising sea levels flood low-lying areas, changes in the distribution of species as organisms move to cooler areas, and changes in the migration patterns of animals. Some species cannot adapt or move and may die out, which reduces biodiversity.
All 4 questions on Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems
