Changes that organisms produce in their abiotic environment can result in a less hostile environment and change biodiversity
As organisms grow and die, they physically alter their surroundings. These changes make the environment less harsh, allowing new species to survive there and increasing biodiversity.
Real World
At Studland Bay in Dorset, marram grass stabilises sand dunes and adds humus as it decays, gradually creating soil deep enough for heather and eventually birch woodland — increasing species diversity at each stage.
Exam Focus
State the abiotic change first, then explain how it increases biodiversity — examiners reward a clear cause-and-effect chain.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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