Using examples, assess the relative importance of human and physical factors in influencing levels of biodiversity (15)
Both physical and human factors influence biodiversity. On a global scale, climatic and soil fertility influences affect levels of biodiversity, although often human factors influence biodiversity at a local scale and increasingly globally.
Biomes and large scale ecosystems such as coral reefs are influenced by limiting factors such as salinity of water which should remain constant, temperatures between 25 and 29 degrees C and adequate sunlight so turbidity level are low. The Great Barrier reef is home to
5,000 species of molluscs, 1,800 species of fish, 125 species of sharks. The age and size of an ecosystem is important in supporting high levels of biodiversity. On the island of Borneo, a biodiversity hotspot, has a number of endemic species and sustains high levels of biodiversity as there is range of altitudes supporting different niches and the size of the area supports many predators.
At the local scale, threats from human activity such as deforestation can severely influence biodiversity levels. In Borneo, pristine rainforest was removed for timber and mineral exploitation and the result was a wasteland of yellow grass with low biodiversity. However, human factors can also benefit biodiversity as replanting of native species fertilized by cow urine has subsequently increased biodiversity in the area and the area has been designated an Orang Utang protected area.
Minsmere in Suffolk is an RSPB reserve where biodiversity levels have been sustained through regulating water levels in an area called the Scrape. His allows migrating birds and native species feeding and nesting areas and this intervention has increased biodiversity levels. In the Harz National Park in Germany areas of moorland have had biodiversity improved through careful management which protects areas from humans by building wooden walkways and education programmes support understanding of sustainable practices which heightens public awareness of biodiversity needs.
Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are causing climate changes. The stress on ecosystems reduces biodiversity e.g. coral bleaching results from increased sea temperatures reducing biodiversity in the reefs.
Physical factors have been the major factor in determining biodiversity until human influence through exploitation and pollution has reduced biodiversity in many ecosystems.
However, humans are also capable of sustaining and even improving levels of biodiversity through intervention and careful ecosystem management.

HUMAN FACTORS

PHYSICAL FACTORS

GEOGRAPHICAL TERMINOLOGY

CASE STUDY EXAMPLES

INTRODUCTION

CONCLUSION