B4 Biodiversity

Amount of variation between individuals of the same species in an area.

Amount of different species in an area.

Number of different habitats in an area.

High level of biodiversity is healthier as more diverse ecosystems cope better with changes to the environment.

Natural exosystems manage themselves with little interference from humans.

Artificial ecosystems are created and maintained by humans.

Variety of tree species - birch, hazel, oak.

Trees are different sizes and ages.

Variety of plant species - flowers, shrubs.

Variety of habitats - different trees and shrubs for birds to nest in, different types of leaf litter for invertebrates to live in.

Variety of animal species - different invertebrates, birds and mammals.

One species of tree usually non-native planted for timber - Corsican pine, Douglas fir.

Blocks of trees planted at same time so often same age.

Fewer plant species because trees densely planted so less room and light for other plants.

Fewer habitats because not enough plant species to create them. When trees are felled, habitats damaged or disturbed.

Fewer plant species because not as many habitats or sources of food.

Many different fish species.

Variety of plant species.

Variety of animal species - invertebrates, birds and mammals.

One fish species often non-native farmed for food.

Fewer plant species because fish food is added and food waste cause algal blooms blocking out light killing plants.

Fewer animal species. Predators (herons and otters) kept out and pests (fish lice) killed. Less food and fewer habitats because lack of plants.