Knowledge and Understanding 1. Outline some of the ways that we rely on other species of plants and animals for our
survival.
2. Biodiversity is threatened by many human activities. List two ways that humans threaten biodiversity.
3. List some of the aspects of global food production that threaten biodiversity. 4. Pick one aspect of food production that threatens biodiversity. Outline some of the measures that are being taken to reduce its impact on biodiversity.
5. Land clearing causes habitat destruction. Give two reasons for clearing land and two direct consequences of habitat destruction.
6. A biologist is asked to study the biodiversity of a forest that may be cut down. What type of information should they collect about the forest?
7. Why do you think conservation is important? 8. Explain the role of national parks in conservation.
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Thinking and Investigating 1. A farmer wants to divide a large field into two smaller fields and put in a road. Write a
report about the possible ecological impact of this plan.
2. Slurry is spread on the land. How can slurry affect biodiversity in rivers and lakes? 3. It is easier and more profitable to plant and harvest the same type of crop every year. This is called monoculture. Monoculture is economically sustainable but not environmentally sustainable. Research the advantages and disadvantages of using monoculture in agriculture.
4. Why do you think some people hunt for wild meat? Design a poster that would help educate people about the effect hunting for wild meat can have on biodiversity.
5. Why do you think the EU introduce fish quotas every year? What type of data is collected and analysed before these quotas are decided?
6. Suggest how satellites can be used in conservation projects. 7. Choose a conservation project in Ireland and complete a profile that includes the following: (a) Location of the project. (b) Biodiversity of the area. (c) Aims of the project. (d) Approaches being used. (e) Suggestions of how scientists might measure its effectiveness. Useful information about conservation projects in Ireland can be found on www.conservationvolunteers.ie and the Irish Wildlife Trust, www.iwt.ie
