Benefits of maintaining biodiversitySpec 9.10
In short
Maintaining biodiversity, locally and globally, keeps ecosystems stable because species depend on each other. Biodiversity provides food, materials and medicines, and supports pollination of crops and cycling of materials. Conservation programmes protect endangered animal species, and reforestation restores habitats, absorbs carbon dioxide by photosynthesis and reduces soil erosion and flooding.
It is important to maintain biodiversity both locally and globally.
- Ecosystems with high biodiversity are more stable, because species depend on each other (interdependence) and the loss of one is less likely to cause others to fail.
- Biodiversity gives humans food, materials and medicines, and may supply useful resources not yet discovered.
- Species help to maintain the conditions we depend on, such as pollination of crops and cycling of materials.
- Local biodiversity benefits the local people and wildlife. Global biodiversity protects species from extinction.
Conservation of animal species
Endangered animal species can be protected by conservation programmes, such as protecting their habitats, captive breeding programmes, and laws to prevent hunting. This helps to maintain biodiversity.
Reforestation
Reforestation means replanting trees in areas where forest has been cut down. It has benefits for biodiversity and the environment:
- It restores habitats, so the variety of species can increase.
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide by photosynthesis, which helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Tree roots help to hold soil, which reduces soil erosion and flooding.
Reforestation takes a long time, and the land may be needed for farming, so there can be conflict between the needs of people and the needs of wildlife.
Quick check
Name the three human interactions you must be able to explain for this topic.
Show answer
Fish farming, introduction of non-indigenous species, eutrophication.
Why do fish die in eutrophication?
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Bacteria feeding on dead plants and algae use up the oxygen in the water.
Give two benefits of reforestation.
Show answer
Any two of: restores habitats, absorbs carbon dioxide, reduces soil erosion.
What is meant by a non-indigenous species?
Show answer
A species introduced to an area where it does not naturally live.
Written and checked against the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (1SC0) specification · Updated October 2026