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Topic 4: Biodiversity and natural resources

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How is biodiversity measured and how are living things classified?

The meaning and measurement of biodiversity at species, genetic and habitat levels, the use of the index of diversity, and the classification and naming of organisms.
An Edexcel A-Level Biology B (Salters-Nuffield) answer on biodiversity and classification, covering species, genetic and habitat diversity, the index of diversity, and the classification, naming and grouping of organisms.
9 min answer →

Why should we conserve biodiversity, and how can it be protected?

The reasons for conserving biodiversity, the methods of in-situ and ex-situ conservation, the use of seed banks and zoos, and the balance between conservation and human needs.
An Edexcel A-Level Biology B (Salters-Nuffield) answer on conservation, covering the economic, ecological and ethical reasons for conserving biodiversity, in-situ and ex-situ methods, seed banks and zoos, and balancing conservation with human needs.
9 min answer →

How does natural selection lead to adaptation and the evolution of new species?

The process of natural selection, the types of adaptation, how natural selection leads to evolution and speciation, and the evidence for evolution.
An Edexcel A-Level Biology B (Salters-Nuffield) answer on natural selection and adaptation, covering the process of natural selection, anatomical, physiological and behavioural adaptations, evolution and speciation, and the evidence for evolution.
9 min answer →

How is the structure of plants suited to support and transport, and how do humans use plants?

The structure of plant cells and tissues, plant fibres and their properties, the transport of water in the xylem, and the economic and sustainable use of plants and their products.
An Edexcel A-Level Biology B (Salters-Nuffield) answer on plant structure and economic use, covering plant cell and tissue structure, plant fibres and starch, the transport of water in the xylem, and the sustainable use of plant products.
9 min answer →