Reasons for Conservation (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Biology): Revision Note

Reasons for Conservation

• There are numerous reasons why conservation programmes are important

  • Maintaining or increasing biodiversity

    • Which allows ecosystems to remain stable

  • Reducing extinction

    • Helps to retain iconic species and maintain biodiversity

  • Protecting vulnerable ecosystems which would have been quickly lost to human activity

  • Maintaining ecosystem functions

    • Nutrient cycling eg. carbon cycling to hold back climate change

    • Resource provision, such as

      • Food - making sure we have enough for the population

      • Drugs - having access to plants for plant-based remedies

      • Fuel - for important activities such as cooking

      • Genes - so the gene pool remains wide and variety exists in all species