Define the term species diversity.
The statement in Figure 1 below describes two different habitats; ancient woodland and conifer plantation.
Figure 1
Woodlands that are classed as ancient woodland have been present since 1600 in England or Wales. There is more than one type of ancient woodland, but all contain a complex community of soil microorganisms, accumulations of deadwood, and a range of plant species. The planting of conifer plantations began after the first world war, and was an attempt to increase forest cover in the UK at this time. They often consist of many coniferous trees of the same species, which drop their acidic needles onto the ground and cast deep shade. |
State which of these habitats shows the greatest habitat diversity and explain your answer.
Some forestry commissions across the UK are attempting to manage plantation woodland differently, taking measures such as felling areas of trees, planting deciduous trees, and installing bird and bat boxes. Suggest two reasons why these measures could increase biodiversity in plantation woodland.
Suggest why the conifer plantation in Figure 1 is more vulnerable to a changing climate than an ancient woodland.
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