Land Use (OCR GCSE Biology A, Combined (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
7.3.3 Land Use
infoNote
Human activities such as building, quarrying, farming, and waste disposal significantly reduce natural habitats, leading to a decline in biodiversity. As humans expand their use of land, the available space for animals and plants shrinks, disrupting ecosystems and endangering species.
Peat Bogs
- What is Peat? Peat is partially decayed plant material that forms in environments with low oxygen, such as acidic and waterlogged bogs.
- Habitat Importance: Peat bogs provide vital habitats for a variety of species, particularly for migrating birds and unique plants.
- Threats to Peat Bogs:
- Destruction: Peat bogs are being drained for agricultural use, and peat is harvested for use as compost and fuel.
- Environmental Impact: When peat is extracted and used as fuel, it releases stored carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
- Sustainability: Peat forms very slowly, so it is being depleted much faster than it can regenerate, leading to a loss of this important habitat.