The future of the human species on Earth relies on us maintaining a good…

The idea

Humans depend on other organisms for survival, so losing biodiversity threatens human populations. We rely on plants and algae for oxygen and on other organisms for food, medicines and raw materials. Ecosystems also provide services such as pollination of crops, pest control, flood protection and nutrient cycling in soil. If biodiversity falls, these services become less reliable: fewer pollinators can reduce crop yields, and soil degradation can lower food production. Genetic diversity in wild species is also a source of traits that plant breeders may need when crops face new diseases or a changing climate. Maintaining biodiversity therefore supports food security, health and a stable environment for future human generations.

What earns the marks

• Humans depend on other organisms for food, oxygen, medicines and raw materials.
• Ecosystem services such as pollination, pest control, flood protection and nutrient cycling support human life and agriculture.
• Loss of biodiversity can reduce crop yields and food security, for example through loss of pollinators or fertile soil.
• Wild species contain genetic variation that can be used to improve crops and livestock, especially when conditions change.
• Maintaining biodiversity helps ensure resources remain available for future human generations.
• Human activity that reduces biodiversity can therefore harm human populations as well as wildlife.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking biodiversity matters only for wildlife.

  Put it right: Human food security, medicine and oxygen supply all depend on other species.

• Assuming technology removes all dependence on nature.

  Put it right: Artificial pollination or fertiliser use is costly and cannot replace every ecosystem service.

• Confusing maintaining biodiversity with leaving nature completely untouched.

  Put it right: Sustainable management, such as protected areas and reduced pollution, can maintain biodiversity while people use resources.

Exam tips

• Link each point about biodiversity to a specific human need, such as food, medicine or clean water, rather than saying 'it is important'.
• Use examples of ecosystem services, such as bees pollinating crops or wetlands reducing flooding, to show applied understanding.
• When discussing the future, refer to future generations and the need to keep resources and ecosystem services available.