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VICEnvironmental Science

Unit 3: How can biodiversity and development be sustained?

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How are living things classified and named, and why does taxonomy matter for biodiversity?

the classification, taxonomy and naming of organisms, including the use of binomial nomenclature and taxonomic hierarchy, and how classification supports the description and conservation of biodiversity
A focused answer to the VCE Environmental Science Unit 3 dot point on classifying, naming and organising living things, covering the taxonomic hierarchy and binomial nomenclature, with Australian examples.
6 min answer →

What are the four categories of ecosystem services and how do they sustain human life?

the four categories of ecosystem services (supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural) and how each links biodiversity to human wellbeing and development
A focused answer to the VCE Environmental Science Unit 3 dot point on the four categories of ecosystem services and how each links biodiversity to human wellbeing and development, with Australian examples.
6 min answer →

What are endemic species and biodiversity hotspots, and why are they conservation priorities?

the concepts of endemism and biodiversity hotspots, why endemic species and hotspots are especially vulnerable, and their significance for setting conservation priorities
A focused answer to the VCE Environmental Science Unit 3 dot point on endemism and biodiversity hotspots, why endemic species are especially vulnerable, and how this guides conservation priorities, with Australian examples.
6 min answer →

How is biodiversity described and why does it matter to human wellbeing?

the levels of biodiversity (genetic, species and ecosystem) and the value of biodiversity through ecosystem services and human wellbeing
A focused answer to the VCE Environmental Science Unit 3 dot point on the three levels of biodiversity and the value of biodiversity through ecosystem services and human wellbeing, with Australian examples.
7 min answer →

How can biodiversity be measured and compared between sites?

measures of biodiversity including species richness, species evenness and the use of diversity indices to compare ecosystems
A focused answer to the VCE Environmental Science Unit 3 dot point on measuring biodiversity, covering species richness, evenness and the calculation and interpretation of Simpson's diversity index.
7 min answer →

What threatens biodiversity and how does extinction occur?

the threats to biodiversity including habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution and climate change, and the process of extinction
A focused answer to the VCE Environmental Science Unit 3 dot point on the threats to biodiversity and the process of extinction, with real Australian examples.
7 min answer →

What different types of value does biodiversity hold and why does the distinction matter?

the ecological, economic, social and intrinsic value of biodiversity and the difference between instrumental and intrinsic value in conservation decisions
A focused answer to the VCE Environmental Science Unit 3 dot point on the ecological, economic, social and intrinsic value of biodiversity and the difference between instrumental and intrinsic value, with Australian examples.
6 min answer →