Amount of light: More light=more photosynthesis

=more biodiversity

Temperature

Altitude: Altitudinal range increases 

number of ecosystems by providing habitats 

for more species

Latitude: Proximity to the equator affects

temperature and amount of light

Climate: The main limiting factor. Anthropogenic 

climate change will change temperature and 

humidity and the biosphere will not be adapted

so there may be mass extinctions

Hunting: Has a big impact if focussed on one 

species and uncontrolled. It could be 

controlled as a way of generating tourism

money and maintaining national

parks

Isolation: Encourages endemism

Size of area: Large areas encourage 

biodiversity and large biomes support

more species and encourage migration

Level of recording species in the area

Invasive species: Alien species may out-compete

native species, eg hedgehogs introduced

into Outer Hebrides

Cultural factors: Some species such as tigers may 

be hunted so their bones can be used in traditional

medicine

Monoculture: Degrades soil because the same

nutrients are always taken out of it and it is not

given a chance to recover

Interaction between species: Competition, introduction

of species, new breeds may appear

Succession: Biodiversity increases as more 

species establish themselves

Population growth: Increased demand and

competition for space and resources

Conservation: Protection of endangered/

endemic species maintains biodiversity

Habitat Architecture: High primary productivity

encourages more complex trophic pyramid with 

niches, which supports high biodiversity

Productivity: High productivity encouraged

by temperature, humidity, high light levels,

which leads to more abundant energy

and therefore more biodiversity

Disturbances: Natural disasters such as 

volcanic eruptions would reduce biodiversity