Choose the letter A, B, C or D to complete the passage below National parks are large areas of public land set aside for native plants, animals and the places in which they live. National parks protect places of natural beauty. National park is home to many endemic species. They also protect places important to Aboriginal people, and places that show how people lived in the past. National parks are actually protected areas. IUCN definition of a protected area: “A clearly defined geographical ...

Choose the letter A, B, C or D to complete the passage below

National parks are large areas of public land set aside for native plants, animals and the places in which they live. National parks protect places of natural beauty. National park is home to many endemic species. They also protect places important to Aboriginal people, and places that show how people lived in the past.

National parks are actually protected areas. IUCN definition of a protected area: “A clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values”.

Conservation of biodiversity (the variety of our native species and the ecosystems they form) is the central purpose of protected areas. High levels of biodiversity keep ecosystems healthy and resilient, which means that they continue providing vital ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, climate regulation, air and water purification and pollination.

Protecting biodiversity is vital to safeguard our economy; our cultural, spiritual and aesthetic values; and the intrinsic value of species and ecosystems. National parks provide a safe home for native plants and animals. They help keep the air and water clean. National parks give us places to enjoy.

National parks provide a safe home for __________ plants and animals.