Questions 1. Earthworms play an important role in maintaining biodiversity. Explain how earthworms help to maintain biodiversity in Ireland.
2. If the numbers of earthworms were reduced, what effect do you think it would have on the plants in that area?
3. Beetles consume insects that feed on plants. Outline how their feeding habits benefit agriculture and biodiversity.
17.2 Biodiversity and global food production
Conservation is the wise management of our natural resources.
The population of humans on Earth is rising. It is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. In order to feed our growing population, vast amounts of food must be produced. Humans need to find ways to: Produce enough food to support the growing population. Conserve ecological biodiversity. Conservation is the wise management of our natural resources.
l l
We will examine four aspects of global food production that pose a threat to biodiversity: 1. Land clearing 2. Agriculture 3. Hunting 4. Fishing
1. Land clearing The majority of Ireland’s land was once covered with forests. However, over many centuries, human activity has reduced this to just 10%. The forests were cleared to make way for homes and agriculture. This change affected biodiversity in Ireland. This same process of land clearing is now happening very rapidly in other parts of the world in order to keep up with global food demands. 70% of deforestation in the world is to clear land for agriculture.
186
Fig. 8 Land clearing is a big threat to biodiversity.
