Assess the impact of declining biodiversity upon a major terrestrial biome that you have studied. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 6 - 2020 - Paper 1

Declining biodiversity has significant impacts on major terrestrial biomes, such as the tropical rainforest, which serves as an exemplary case for this assessment.

Understanding Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. In tropical rainforests, this diversity is crucial for ecosystem stability and resilience.

Impacts of Declining Biodiversity

1. Ecosystem Functioning: The loss of species disrupts ecological interactions, leading to decreased productivity and stability. For instance, key species that play roles in nutrient cycling may become extinct, hindering soil fertility and water retention.

2. Food Web Stability: Biodiversity loss threatens the structure and function of food webs. The extinction of species can result in population explosions of other species, leading to imbalances and potential ecosystem collapse.

3. Climate Regulation: Diverse ecosystems, such as rainforests, regulate local and global climates. A decline in species can modify local weather patterns and reduce the forest's ability to sequester carbon, exacerbating climate change.

4. Socioeconomic Consequences: Many communities rely on biodiversity for their livelihoods, particularly indigenous populations that depend on diverse flora and fauna for food, medicine, and cultural practices.

Conclusion

In summary, declining biodiversity in terrestrial biomes like the tropical rainforest has profound implications, affecting ecosystem health, resilience, and human well-being. Addressing this issue requires sustainable management and conservation efforts to preserve the intricate web of life that supports these ecosystems.