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1.

(a)

(i)

Outline the Gaia philosophy.


...........................................................................................................................
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(1)

(ii)

Explain the difference between an open system and a closed system.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

The first and second laws of thermodynamics suggest that energy is neither made or lost,
merely transformed. Using a named ecosystem, outline how this occurs.
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(3)

(c)

(i)

Explain how socio-political and economic pressures have caused or are causing the
degradation of a named area of biological significance.
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(4)

(ii)

Describe and evaluate one strategy to address the problems you have identified in
(c) (i).
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(3)
(Total 12 marks)

2.

Scientists estimate that current rates of species extinction could be as high as 137 species a day.
(a)

Describe and evaluate one way in which this rate of extinction may have been calculated.
(5)

(b)

Explain why some species are more susceptible to extinction than others. Support your
answer with named examples.
(6)

(c)

A proposed solution to loss of biodiversity is the creation of protected areas. For a named
protected area, explain how it is designed to preserve species diversity and evaluate its
success.
(6)

Expression of ideas
(3)
(Total 20 marks)

3.

The diagram below shows some of the environmental problems caused by a demand for greater
agricultural production.
re d u c tio n o f lo n g -te rm
p ro d u c tiv ity
in c re a s e d s o il
e ro s io n

d a n g e r to
h u m a n h e a lth

lo s s o f s p e c ie s
d iv e rs ity
e u tro p h ic a tio n

h ig h n itra te
c o n c e n tra tio n s in
d rin k in g w a te r

re sid u e s o n
fo o d

lo s s o f
h e d g e g ro w s
a n d w a lls

dam age
to S S S Is *

h a rm to n o n ta rg e t s p e c ie s

n a rro w in g o f
g e n e tic b a s e

o rg a n ic p o llu tio n
o f fre s h w a te r

in c re a s in g u s e
o f p e s tic id e s

in c re a s in g u s e
o f fe rtiliz e r
s o il
c o m p a c tio n

lo s s o f s p e c ie s
d iv e rs ity

m o n o c u ltu re s

in d o o r re a rin g
o f a n im a ls

a n im a l a n d p la n t
b re e d in g

m e c h a n is a tio n
d e m a n d fo r g re a te r p ro d u c tio n
* S ite s o f S p e c ia l S c ie n tific I n te r e s t
[Source: Kevin Byrne, Environmental Science, (Nelson Thornes Ltd., 1997) p. 167.
Reproduced by permission of Nelson Thornes Ltd.]

(a)

Explain why there has been a demand for greater food production in many societies
around the world.
(4)

(b)

With reference to two specific problems from the diagram above, explain the
environmental consequences of increasing agricultural production.
(8)

(c)

Suggest ways in which agricultural productivity can be increased without detrimental


effects on the environment.
(5)
Expression of ideas (3)
(Total 20 marks)

4.

Protecting the environment is a luxury that only the most economically developed countries of
the world can afford.
(a)

State whether an ecocentrist or a technocentrist is more likely to agree with the statement
above. Justify your answer.
(2)

(b)

Discuss the arguments for and against the statement above. In your answer you should
refer to examples from both more economically developed and less economically
developed countries.
(10)

(c)

For an environmental issue you have studied, describe the roles of different groups in the
management of this issue. In your answer you could consider local, national and
international groups.
(5)
Expression of ideas (3)
(Total 20 marks)

5.

(a)

Outline the factors that make some organisms less prone to extinction and the factors that
make others more prone to extinction. Use named examples to support your answer.
(5)

(b)

List three Red Data Book categories and explain the criteria used to assess a species
conservation status. Illustrate your answer with named examples.
(6)

(c)

Justify your personal viewpoint on the best strategy for conserving a named protected
area.
(6)
Expression of ideas (3)
(Total 20 marks)

6.

(a)

Compare two different food production systems. Your answer should be based on named
examples. Consider resource inputs, resource outputs and technology.
(6)

(b)

Outline the impact of the two systems identified in (a) on the surrounding environment.
(5)

(c)

(i)

Suggest reasons why human food resource needs will change over the next 100
years and how this change may be achieved.
(4)

(ii)

Outline what impact a changing demand for food resources may have on the
environment.
(2)
Expression of ideas (3)
(Total 20 marks)

7.

(a)

A tree can be thought of as a system. Draw and label a systems diagram of a tree that
shows inputs, outputs and storages of matter and energy.

(3)

(b)

State two functions of producers in an ecosystem.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

For a named ecosystem, draw a food chain with named species showing three
appropriately labelled trophic levels.
(3)

(d)

Outline three reasons for the relative value of tropical rainforests in contributing to global
biodiversity.
......................................................................................................................................
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......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(e)

Explain the role of decomposers in an ecosystem.


......................................................................................................................................
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......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(f)

Suggest what effect a significant and prolonged decrease in the pH of rainfall would have
on primary productivity in a terrestrial ecosystem. Explain your answer.
......................................................................................................................................
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(3)
(Total 16 marks)

8.

The table below gives an estimate of the number of species within each group and the number
of extinctions from that group since the year 1600.

Group

Approximate
number of
3
species / 10

Number of
extinctions

Extinction rate /
% loss

Mammals

90

2.250

Birds

113

1.250

Reptiles

23

0.380

Amphibians

19

25

0.130

1000

98

0.009

250

384

Fishes
Invertebrates
Flowering plants

(a)

Calculate the extinction rate (as a percentage loss) for amphibians and flowering plants.
amphibians: .................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
flowering plants: ..........................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

In the next 100 years it is estimated that at least 100 species of large terrestrial predators
will become extinct. Suggest why this particular set of animals is prone to extinction.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

State one governmental and one non-governmental organization involved in the


conservation of species.
Governmental: ............................................................................................................
Non-governmental: .....................................................................................................
(1)

(d)

Evaluate the success of a named protected area.


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(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Figure 1 shows the Earths human population increase over time and Figure 2 shows the number
of species which became extinct in each 50 year period since 1600.
Figure 1

Figure 2

60

2 .5

50

M a m m a ls

40

B ird s

2
1 .5
1
0 .5

N u m b e r o f e x tin c t
s p e c ie s

N um ber of hum ans


(b illio n = th o u s a n d m illio n )

9.

30
20
10
0

[Source: Goudie, A (1993) The Human Impact on the Natural Environment, Blackwell, p.125]

(a)

(i)

Estimate the date at which the human population reached 2 billion.


...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Describe the pattern of growth in Figure 1.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)

State how the natural increase rate for human populations is calculated.
...........................................................................................................................
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...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

(i)

Determine how many species of mammals and birds became extinct from 1900 to
1950.
Mammals ..........................................................................................................
Birds ..................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Compare the rates of extinction between birds and mammals since 1650.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Outline the criteria used to classify a species as extinct, according to the Red Data
books.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

10

(c)

State a probable relationship between the data in Figures 1 and 2, and suggest reasons for
your answer.
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(4)
(Total 13 marks)

10.

The figure below shows the numbers of known species in a range of animal and plant groups.
Also included on the same figure is the estimated total number of species for each group, this
includes the species that have yet to be discovered.
0
In s e c ts
Fungi
B a c te ria
A ra c h n id s
V iru s e s
A lg a e

0 .2 5

0 .5

0 .7 5

1 .0

1 .2 5

1 .5

m illio n s

N e m a to d e s
P la n ts
P ro to z o a
M o llu s c s
C ru s ta c e a n s
Ve rte b ra te s

N u m b e r o f k n o w n s p e c ie s
E s tim a te d to ta l n u m b e r o f s p e c ie s in g ro u p

[Source: UNEP printed in the Economist, 21 March 1998, page 12]

11

(a)

(i)

State which group contains the most known species.


...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

State which group has the greatest difference between known number and
estimated total number of species.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

(i)

Suggest one reason why it is so difficult for scientists to state exactly how many
species exist in a group.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Suggest why the number of known vertebrate species may so closely match the
estimated total number.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

12

(c)

Outline a field technique you might use for collecting species diversity data for one of the
groups listed in the figure above.
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......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(d)

With reference to a named ecosystem, identify one direct and one indirect threat to the
ecosystems biodiversity.
Named ecosystem: ......................................................................................................
Direct threat: ...............................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
Indirect threat: .............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

11.

(a)

Compare and evaluate the role of global and local approaches to environmental problem
solving. Support your answer with examples.
(8)

(b)

Justify the importance of the scientific study of small-scale local ecosystems in


environmental problem solving. Support your answer with examples.
(6)
Expression of ideas (2)
(Total 16 marks)

13

12.

(a)

Describe the typical features of a climax community.


(4)

(b)

With reference to a named ecosystem describe the natural and human threats it faces and
discuss the consequences for its future equilibrium.
(10)

(c)

Explain, with the aid of an example, the role of feedback mechanisms in the regulation of
ecosystem equilibrium.
(4)
Expression of ideas (2)
(Total 20 marks)

13.

The graph below shows wolf (predator) and moose (prey) population trends from 1959 to 1983.

Wolf (carnivore)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:
Tierpark_Sababurg_Wolf.jpg

Moose (herbivore/grass eater)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bigbullmoose.jpg

[Source adapted from: Paul Colinaux (1993), Ecology, John Wiley and Sons, page 282]

14

(a)

Using data from the figure above, describe the trend between wolf and moose numbers
between 1972 and 1979.
......................................................................................................................................
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......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Suggest two possible explanations for the dramatic fall in wolf numbers in 1979.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Predict what might happen to the moose population and their habitat if wolves become
extinct.
......................................................................................................................................
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......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

15

(d)

Wolves are often described as a pest species. Outline the arguments for protecting wolves.
......................................................................................................................................
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......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

14.
Sustainable tourism depends on:
(a) meeting the needs of the host population in terms of improved standards of
living in the short and long term
(b) satisfying the demands of increasing tourist numbers
(c) safeguarding the environment to achieve the two foregoing aims.
[Source: Cater and Goodall, Environmental Issues in the 1990s, edited Mannion and Bowlby, publishers John Wiley
and Sons Ltd, (June 1992)]

(a)

With reference to the statement above, and examples of ecosystems you have studied,
explain why safeguarding ecosystems is so important for sustainable tourism.
(8)

(b)

Predict and justify what impact global warming may have on tourism trends in the future.
(5)

(c)

Discuss the concept of sustainable development, and explain why it is a problematic term.
(5)
Expression of ideas (2)
(Total 20 marks)

16

15.

(a)

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a species based approach to conservation.


......................................................................................................................................
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(3)

Figure 1 below shows three different shapes of nature reserves.


Figure 1
A

1 km

1 km
K ey:

1 km
n a tu re re s e rv e

ro a d

17

(b)

Discuss the strengths or weaknesses of the shapes of the nature reserves in Figure 1.
......................................................................................................................................
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(3)

Figure 2 below shows a table of invertebrates caught within a small woodland nature reserve
using a series of pitfall traps.
Figure 2

Pitfall trap data for invertebrates


Invertebrates

Number

Springtails

520

Ground beetles

400

Greenflies

43

Spiders

33

Centipedes

34

Flies

24

Harvestmen

27

Woodlice

12

Ants

13

Wasps

17

Simpsons Diversity Index = 2.895

18

(c)

(i)

Draw and label a pitfall trap.

(2)

(ii)

The pitfall trap technique was used over a four-year period to monitor invertebrate
species diversity. Each year the value fell by approximately 12 %. Suggest how this
information may be used to manage the woodland nature reserve in the future.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Outline a method for estimating the population size of ground beetles in the
woodland nature reserve.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

19

(d)

Outline the relationship between plate tectonic theory and species evolution.
......................................................................................................................................
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......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 14 marks)

16.

(a)

Distinguish clearly between succession and zonation using named examples and
diagrams.
(6)

(b)

Compare and contrast the production : respiration ratios of a food production system you
have studied and a natural ecosystem with a climax community.
(6)

(c)

Discuss the characteristics of an ecosystem that would allow it to support high


biodiversity and explain what the threats are to this ecosystem.
(6)
Expression of ideas (2)
(Total 20 marks)

17.

(a)

Suggest why the size of a nature reserve is an important factor for the conservation of
large animals.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
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......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

20

(b)

Outline what is meant by the term species based conservation.


......................................................................................................................................
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......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Outline two historic causes of mass extinction.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

21

(d)

The table below shows reasons why some plant species have become endangered.
Threat

Number of endangered species

Collecting by gardeners/tourists

35

Overgrazing

33

Populations critically low for breeding

31

Clearance for agriculture

22

Industrial and urban growth

16

Logging in forests

12

Dams and flooding

Changes in farming practice

[Source:J L Chapman and M J Reiss, Ecology: Principles and Applications (1999). Cambridge University Press]

Select two threats from the table above and suggest a conservation strategy for reducing
each threat.
Name of threat: ............................................................................................................
Conservation strategy: .................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
Name of threat: ............................................................................................................
Conservation strategy: .................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 11 marks)

22

18.

Below is an information poster designed to show how individual actions can help to promote
sustainability.

[Dave May, www.customcartoonart.com, Washington State Department of Ecology]

(a)

Explain why the poster recommends that manure piles are kept away from streams.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

(i)

Identify, giving reasons, two actions from the poster which will promote species
diversity.
Action 1: ...........................................................................................................
Reason: ..............................................................................................................
Action 2: ...........................................................................................................
Reason: ..............................................................................................................
(2)

23

(ii)

Explain why species diversity is considered to be an advantage to an ecosystem.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Suggest two reasons why grass cuttings and natural fertilizers are recommended as
fertilizers rather than artificial fertilizers in the poster.
1 ...................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
2 ...................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

19.

Figure 1 Location map of Madagascar

[ Conservation International Foundation]

24

Figure 2 Introduction
Madagascar has an astounding total of eight plant families, four bird families, and five
primate families that are endemic, that is they live nowhere else on Earth.
Madagascars more than fifty lemur species are the islands charismatic worldwide
ambassadors for conservation, although, tragically, fifteen more species have been driven to
extinction since humans arrived.
Madagascar broke off from the Gondwanaland super continent more than 160 million years
ago and is an example of species evolution in isolation. Despite close proximity to Africa,
the island does not share any of the typical animal groups of nearby Africa. Instead,
Madagascar has evolved unique species, with high levels of endemism (species unique to a
geographical location).
The natural vegetation of the island is diverse. On Madagascar, tropical rainforests in the
east give way to dry deciduous forests along the western coast. A unique spiny desert covers
the extreme south. The island also has several high mountain ecosystems, which are
characterized by forest with mosses and lichens.
[ Conservation International Foundation]

25

Figure 3 A climate graph for Toamasina, a major seaport in Madagascar. It has an elevation of
five metres.

450
400
m ax
av erag e
m in

30
25
T e m p e ra tu re
/ C

350

T e m p e ra tu re

300
250

20

200

15

150

10

100

50

Jan F e b M a r A p r M a y Ju n

Jul A ug S ep O ct N ov D ec

84

86 85

85

87

86

86

86

84

83

83

85

R a in fa ll /
m m

H u m id ity / %
7

H o u rs o f s u n s h in e p e r d a y
[Courtesy of Columbus Travel Media]

26

Figure 4 Madagascar: key environmental facts


Area / km

600 461

Vegetation remaining / km

60 046

11 600

Endemic plant species

57

Endemic threatened bird species

51

Endemic threatened mammal species

61

Endemic threatened amphibian species


Extinct species

Human population density / people/km


Area protected / km
Key:

45

32
18 482

endemic: species found only in this location


recorded extinctions since the year 1500
[ Conservation International Foundation]

27

Figure 5 Human impacts


The geographic isolation that allowed Madagascar to evolve diverse and unique species
also contributed to its environmental degradation. Because humans did not arrive on the
islands until 15002000 years ago, the native animals were not initially afraid and were
easily hunted by the colonists.
The Malagasy people came to Madagascar from Africa and Asia and imported rice
cultivation, slash-and-burn farming and cattle grazing, which are inappropriate for
infertile, lateritic soils and were devastating to the fragile ecosystems of the island. The
central plateau of Madagascar is almost completely deforested and is now a lifeless land
of infertile, baked red earth. It is estimated that only about 17 % of the original vegetation
of Madagascar remains.
The 18 million people who live in Madagascar today do not represent a very large
number considering the land area of the island. However, the population is growing at
more than 3 % per year and is expected to double by the year 2025. In an area that is
already one of the most economically disadvantaged in the world, this growth rate is
putting tremendous pressure on the natural environment. In addition to agriculture,
hunting and logging, industry and small-scale mining are growing threats.
On the other Indian Ocean Islands, these same threats have been worsened by the
introduction of invasive alien species, brought as food sources, pets or for pest control.
Rats, cats and mongooses have devastated populations of birds and small reptiles, while
grazing rabbits, goats, pigs, and deer have stripped many landscapes. In addition, exotic
plant species such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) threaten the biodiversity of
freshwater ecosystems.
[ Conservation International Foundation]

28

Figure 6 Soil degradation on the central plateau


Madagascar suffers from some of the worst land degradation and erosion in the world as
seen by the dark areas of the aerial photograph below.

[Source: www.photos.wildmadagascar.org]

29

Figure 7 Logging tables

Conventional logging
Too many roads and skidtrails
Too many landings that are too large
Substantial canopy opening
Subsequent invasion by vines and pioneer plant species
Significant damage to other vegetation, including future crop trees
Large number of lost logs

Reduced-impact logging
Reduces soil disturbed in roads, landings, and skidtrails by almost 50 %
Significantly less canopy opening
Better survival of residual trees
Faster recovery; shorter cutting cycles
Total cost is 1015 % lower
Wood waste is reduced by more than 60 %
[Source: Tropical Forest Foundation]

30

Figure 8 Conservation in Madagascar


About 2.7 % of Madagascars land area is officially protected in national parks, strict nature
reserves established to conserve ecosystems and special reserves designed to protect a
particular species or a group of species.
Attempts to identify and safeguard the areas remaining natural habitats are being
implemented with projects that demonstrate the value of this conservation to the country.
For example, in much of Madagascar the economic value of the remaining forests is of
enormous importance. Eco-tourism has provided a source of income for local communities.
Efforts at species-focused conservation represent important progress for the future of
several unique species. A number of lemur species have been bred successfully in captivity,
and, in 1997, the first lemur reintroduction program introduced captive-born black and
white ruffed lemurs into the Betampona Nature Reserve.
[ Conservation International Foundation]

Photograph of a black and white ruffed lemur

[Source: adapted from www.images.wildmadagascar.org/pictures/1997/sifaka1.gif]

Lemurs have been the focal point of species-based conservation efforts in Madagascar.
[ Conservation International Foundation]

31

Figure 9 Tropical forest ecosystem


The diagram below represents a tropical forest ecosystem on the north east coast of Madagascar.
The climax vegetation type up to the coastal margin is mixed tropical forest.

Table of surveyed animal groups present at the three sites shown on the map above.
Number of species
Animal group

Site 1

Site 2

Site 3

Lemurs

Tenrecs (rodent-like insectivores)

Geckos and chameleons

12

Carnivores (fossa, fanaloka, mongoose)

Frogs

Insects

14

Scorpions

[Source: adapted from www.europe.2007-aliens.org]

32

20.

(a)

Suggest why Madagascar has such


(i)

high biodiversity.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

33

(ii)

high rates of endemism (species only found in Madagascar).


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

34

(b)

Explain why Madagascan species have been vulnerable to hunting in the past.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

35

(c)

Construct a model (diagram) that demonstrates why the soil of the central plateau in
Madagascar has become degraded.

(4)

36

(d)

With reference to Figure 7, explain why reduced-impact logging is likely to be more


sustainable than conventional logging.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

37

(e)

(i)

With reference to Figure 4, calculate the proportion of Madagascars total area


which is protected.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

38

(ii)

Suggest two reasons why the economic benefits of conservation are being
promoted by the authorities in Madagascar.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

39

(f)

With reference to Figure 9,


(i)

suggest two reasons for the variation in animal groups found at sites 1, 2 and 3.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

40

(ii)

evaluate the reserve shown according to principles of good reserve design.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

41

(g)

(i)

With reference to Figure 5, state the expected total Madagascan population in


2025.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

42

(ii)

Justify whether or not you think the government should attempt to reduce the rate
of population growth on the island.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 23 marks)

43

21.
We have driven the rate of biological extinction, the permanent loss of species, up several
hundred times beyond its historical levels, and are threatened with the loss of a majority of all
species by the end of the twenty first century.
[Source: Peter Raven (past President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, states in the
foreword to their publication AAAS Atlas of Population and Environment)]

(a)

Explain, with reference to examples, why some species are more likely to become extinct
in the future than others.
(6)

(b)

Explain how the mechanisms of evolution have led to an increase in biodiversity in the
past, and how human activities now seem to be reversing this trend.
(8)

(c)

Discuss why scientists may differ in how optimistically they view future extinction rates.
(4)
Expression of ideas (2)
(Total 20 marks)

44

22.

Figure 1 shows two wildlife reserve models. Model A has two isolated reserves whilst Model B
has a corridor connecting the reserves. Species X, Y and Z are found in all three reserves.
Figure 1
M odelA

M od el B

S p e c ie s X ,Y, Z

S p e c ie s X ,Y, Z

R oad

S p e c ie s
X ,Y, Z

S p e c ie s
X ,Y, Z
1km

1km

45

(a)

In Figure 1, state, giving a reason, whether Model A or Model B is better for the
conservation of genetic diversity of species X.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

46

Figure 2

B IO M A S S

P re c ip ita tio n

L IT T E R
S O IL
R u n o ff
L e a c h in g
W e a th e rin g

47

(b)

Figure 2 is a nutrient model for a rainforest ecosystem. The size of the circles represents
the amount of nutrients stored and the width of the arrows represents size of the flow of
nutrients.
(i)

Explain why the nutrient store for the biomass is so large.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

48

(ii)

Explain why losses due to leaching are so large.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

49

(iii)

State, giving a reason, whether the model in Figure 2 shows an open or closed
system.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

50

(iv)

Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the model shown in Figure 2.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

51

(c)

Outline two reasons why tropical rainforests are vulnerable to habitat destruction.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

52

23.

The table below gives the number of flowering plant species for several tropical regions in the
2
Americas, together with the area of each of the regions in km .
Region

Surface area in km

Amazon Basin

Estimated total
number of species

7 050 000

30 000

383 000

40 000

Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil

1 000 000

10 000

Central America including Mexico

2 500 000

19 000

Northern Andes

[Data from: Andrew Henderson and Steven Churchill,


Neotropical plant diversity, Nature (1991), Vol. 351, pp. 21-22. Nature]

53

(a)

(i)

Which region has the greatest number of species per unit area?
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

54

(ii)

Which region has the lowest number of species per unit area?
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

55

(iii)

Explain the range of biodiversity shown in the data above.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

56

(b)

(i)

Explain what is meant by the term endangered species, giving an example.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

57

(ii)

List three factors which may lead to a species becoming endangered.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

58

(c)

Give three ways in which efforts are made to protect endangered species, with an
example for each.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

59

(d)

How might natural selection lead to an increase in species diversity?


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 15 marks)

60

The graph below shows the number of animal groups (families) that have existed at various
times in the Earths history.
900
N u m b e r o f fa m ilie s

24.

600

300

0
600

400

200

M illio n s o f y e a rs b e fo re p re s e n t

61

(a)

Describe and explain the shape of the graph above.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

62

The table below gives one estimate of the number of recorded extinctions of animals and plants
from the year 1600 to the present.
Group

Approximate Number (thousands)

Recorded Extinctions

Mammals

85

Birds

113

Reptiles

6.3

21

Amphibians

4.2

Fishes

19.1

23

Invertebrates

1000

98

Flowering plants

250

384

63

(b)

(i)

From the data in the table, which group is the most liable to extinction?
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

64

(ii)

Give an explanation for your answer.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

65

(c)

Describe two ways in which the period of extinction since 1600 is different from those
periods of the geological past shown in the graph.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

66

(d)

Give two factors that may make a species particularly liable to become extinct.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

67

(e)

Give two possible effects that extinctions since 1600 may have on human quality of life.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

68

(f)

Give three ways in which efforts are being made to prevent further extinctions occurring,
using specific examples.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

69

(g)

Name a species of organism that has become extinct due to human activity, and describe
why it became extinct.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 15 marks)

70

25.

(a)

Explain the term biodiversity.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

71

(b)

On which type of biodiversity is it most effective to focus conservation efforts? Give a


reason for your answer.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

72

The table below gives the total area of various biomes and the percentage of their area that
remains undisturbed by humans.
Biome
Temperate forest

Total area (km )

Percentage area undisturbed

9 519 400

6.1

Tropical rainforest

11 812 000

63.2

Desert

29 241 000

55.8

Tundra

20 638 000

99.3

[K Gaston and J Spicer, Biodiversity: An Introduction, (Blackwell Sciences, 1998).


Reproduced by permission of Wiley-Blackwell]

73

(c)

(i)

Evaluate the significance of the data in this table for biodiversity.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(6)

74

(ii)

In which of the biomes listed in the table would you expect extinction rates to be
highest? Give two reasons for your answer.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

75

(d)

Name one species of plant or animal that has become extinct over the last 500 years, and
give two reasons for its extinction.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

76

(e)

State two examples of steps which are being taken to prevent further extinctions.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 15 marks)

77

26.

The table below gives the approximate number of bird species found at different altitudes in
tropical South America.
Altitude (m)

Number of species

0500

2000

5001000

1950

10001500

1550

15002000

1100

20003000

950

30004000

500

40005000

200

[Data from a diagram in Gaston K and Spicer J, Biodiversity: an Introduction, Blackwell Science, 1998]

78

(a)

Describe and explain the relationship between altitude and number of species shown in
the table.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

79

(b)

Define habitat diversity and species diversity.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

80

(c)

Give two reasons why biodiversity should be protected.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

81

(d)

Outline three characteristics that an area should have if it is to be designated a nature


reserve or similar protected area.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

82

(e)

An area of forest has been made a nature reserve. It is surrounded by farmland with
several towns. Describe some of the changes that might occur in the area following its
protection in this way.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

83

(f)

Briefly describe a named protected area or nature reserve that you have studied and
explain how it has been managed to protect its biodiversity.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 15 marks)

84

27.

(a)

The table below shows estimates of worldwide population numbers of some whale
species.
Species

Estimated numbers
before 1750
(thousand)

Estimated
numbers in 1999
(thousand)

Main food source

Blue

228

14

Plankton

Fin

548

120

Plankton, fish

Grey

20

21

Crustaceans

Humpback

115

10

Plankton, fish

Minke

140

725

Plankton, fish

Right

200

Plankton

Sei

256

54

Plankton, fish, squid

Sperm

2400

1950

Fish, squid

85

(i)

Identify which species of whale shows the greatest percentage decrease over the
period 17501999.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

86

(ii)

Other than hunting of whales, suggest one other way in which humans may have
caused a decline in whale numbers.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

87

(iii)

List three characteristics that might make some whale species more prone to
extinction than others.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

88

(iv)

Outline two special difficulties found in the preservation of open-ocean species.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

89

(b)

The International Whaling Commission issued a ban on all commercial whaling in 1986.
Greenpeace has publicised whaling that is still carried out by Norway and Japan partly for
research purposes. Compare the role of Greenpeace as a non-governmental organization
(NGO) and UNEP as an international organization supported by governments in the
preservation of global biodiversity.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

90

(c)

For a named habitat, discuss the arguments for its preservation.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 13 marks)

91

28.

(a)

Explain the term biodiversity.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

92

(b)

List four arguments for the preservation of biodiversity.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

93

(c)

Describe the processes that may lead to the formation of new species.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

94

(d)

Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of a species-based conservation


strategy compared to the use of reserves.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(4)

95

(e)

The diagram below shows the layout of various conservation reserves. The reserves
represent islands containing protected ecosystems surrounded by unprotected areas
affected by human activities.
A

L a rg e
reserv e

(1 )

S m a ll
reserv e

O n e la rg e

(2 )

S e v e ra l s m a ll

C o rrid o rs

(3 )

N o c o rrid o rs

R ound

(4 )

N o t ro u n d

For each pair (1) to (4), explain why the areas represented in column A might be
considered better for conservation than the areas in column B.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 15 marks)

96

29.

The table below shows the approximate numbers of species that have become extinct since 1600
on continents, on islands and in oceans, compared with the number of species alive today.

Biological group

Total number of
living species

Number of extinct species (since 1600)


Continents

Islands

Oceans

Total

Mammals

4 000

30

51

83

Birds

9 000

21

91

112

Reptiles

6 300

20

21

19 100

22

23

>1 000 000

49

48

98

Fishes
Invertebrates

[Source: R B Pinnock, Essentials of Conservation, Sinauer Associates Inc, (1993)]

(a)

Calculate the percentage of mammals that have become extinct since 1600.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Use the data in the table to determine which groups of organisms have had the highest
and lowest total rates of extinction in relation to the number of living species.
(i)

Highest total rate of extinction: ........................................................................

(ii)

Lowest total rate of extinction: ........................................................................


(1)

(c)

Suggest two reasons for the difference in the rate of extinction between these two groups.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

97

(d)

Explain the differences between the numbers of extinctions on islands and those on
continents.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 9 marks)

98

30.

(a)

Define the term species diversity.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Explain how natural selection may produce new species.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

(i)

State two natural factors that might lead to a loss of biodiversity.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

State two types of human activity that might lead to a loss of biodiversity.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

99

31.

Explain how the shape and size of a protected area may influence its success in protecting the
organisms and ecosystems within it.
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................................
(Total 4 marks)

100

32.

The graph below, shows the number of animal species that have become extinct in each 50 year
period since 1600.
150

120

N um ber of
rec o rd e d
e x tin c tio n s

90

60

30

Y e a rs
[Source: Based on material in a scientific paper by F D M Smith and others 1993, Biodiversity Assessment: A Guide
to Good Practice, London, HMSO, 1996]

101

(a)

Describe and explain the changes in the extinction rate represented by the data in the
graph.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(5)

(b)

State four factors that might increase the likelihood of a species becoming extinct.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Distinguish between the terms endangered and extinct.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

102

(d)

Name a species that has become extinct since 1600, and state two reasons for its
becoming extinct.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(e)

(i)

Name and briefly describe an area or ecosystem that has been protected to preserve
its biodiversity.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

103

(ii)

Outline three measures that have been introduced to protect the organisms and
ecosystem(s) in the area named in (e) (i) above, and evaluate their success.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(5)

(f)

Distinguish between genetic diversity and habitat diversity.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 20 marks)

104

33.

(a)

Name one endangered species and state two measures that might be taken to protect that
species.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

In the table below, state one advantage and one disadvantage for each of the listed
approaches to conservation of a species.

Zoos

Creation of reserves or
protected areas

Convention on
International Trade in
Endangered Species
(CITES)

Advantage

Disadvantage

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................

........................................
(6)

105

(c)

Name and briefly describe a national park or other protected area that you have studied
and evaluate its success.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 12 marks)

34.

A study has been made of the number of flowering plant species that occur on six islands off the
2
coast of the same country. The graph below shows the relationship between the area (in km ) of
each of the islands and the number of flowering plant species found on them.
140
120
100

N u m b e r o f flo w e rin g
p la n t s p e c ie s

80
60
40
20
0
0

A re a o f is la n d / k m

10

106

(a)

Describe the relationship between island area and plant diversity shown by the graph.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Suggest one possible reason for the relationship described in (a).


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

Predict the effects of the introduction of goats or some other species of large herbivore on
a small island ecosystem.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

35.

The table below shows estimates of the worlds bird species.


Total known bird species

9 600

Bird species declining in number

6 500

Bird species threatened with extinction

1 100

[Source: data from The World Conservation Union, Red List of Threatened Animals, 1996]

107

(a)

State two factors that can lead to the loss of diversity in birds.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Discuss any possible sources of inaccuracy in these data.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Outline problems for the conservation of bird species that migrate over very long
distances.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

108

36.

(a)

The table below shows the number of native species in a European country which are
endangered or extinct.
Species Group

Number of Native
Species

Number of Extinct
Species

Number of
Endangered Species

44

not known

523

not known

Freshwater fish

41

Bees/wasps/ants

542

17

41

Spiders

687

22

Land mammals
Birds
Amphibians

[Kevin Byrne, Environmental Science, (Nelson Thornes Ltd., 1997) p. 267.


Reproduced by permission of Nelson Thornes Ltd.]

(i)

Determine which species group has the highest proportion of endangered species,
expressed as a percentage of the number of native species.
Species group: ...................................................................................................
%: ......................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Determine which species group has the highest proportion of extinct species,
expressed as a percentage of the number of native species.
Species group: ...................................................................................................
%: ......................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

(i)

Define the term endangered species.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

109

(ii)

Name an animal species, native to any part of the world, which is currently
endangered.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)

State the reasons for the species named in (ii) becoming endangered, and outline
the possible consequences of its extinction.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 9 marks)

37.

(a)

Name one governmental organization and one non-governmental organization involved


in preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.
Governmental: .............................................................................................................
Non-governmental: .....................................................................................................
(2)

110

(b)

Compare the roles and activities of these two organizations.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 6 marks)

38.

The table below shows the bird biomass per square km, the total number of birds per square km,
the number of species of birds, and the diversity (as measured by a diversity index) for three
types of habitat in the same country.

Bird biomass / kg km
Number of birds km

Number of bird species


Diversity index

City

Farmland

Forest

213

30

22

1 089

371

297

21

80

54

1.13

3.40

3.19

[A Goudie, The Human Impact on the Natural Environment, 5th edition, (Blackwell, 2000).
Reproduced with permission of Wiley-Blackwell.]

111

(a)

(i)

Define the terms species diversity and habitat diversity.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Describe and explain the data in the table above.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(b)

(i)

Define the term speciation.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

112

(ii)

Outline how natural selection may influence speciation.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Explain how the isolation of a population of organisms (e.g. on an island) could


alter the characteristics of the species, over time.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)

39.

(a)

(i)

Name and briefly describe an area where one or more natural or semi-natural
ecosystems occur that have been affected by human activities, or are threatened by
human activities.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

For the area named in (a)(i) above, state a human activity that has affected or might
affect the biodiversity of the area.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

113

(iii)

Outline how this activity has affected or might affect the biodiversity of the area.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Explain the importance of CITES.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

List three factors that make a species prone to extinction.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

114

For selected regions of the world, the bar-chart below provides data for the total number of
native plant species (species that occur naturally in the region), and the number of introduced
species (species that have been brought in through human activities).
21 000
N u m b e r o f s p e c ie s

40.

18 000
15 000
N a tiv e s p e c ie s

12 000

I n tr o d u c e d s p e c ie s

9000
6000

3000
H a w a iia n
Is la n d s

N ew
Z e a la n d

A u s tra lia

C o n tin e n ta l
E u ro p e

S o u th e rn
A fr ic a

[Source: based on C B Cox and P D Moore, (2000), Biogeography, 6th edition Blackwell, Oxford]

(a)

Suggest reasons for differences between the regions using the data in the bar-chart above.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(4)

115

(b)

(i)

Define the terms habitat diversity and species diversity.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Outline the evolutionary processes that link habitat diversity to species diversity.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(5)

116

(c)

Name a species of plant or animal that has become extinct since 1600, and list two
factors that help to explain why that species became extinct.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)

(d)

(i)

Name a protected area that you have studied.


...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Suggest three reasons that might explain why the area was selected for protection.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

117

(iii)

Evaluate the success of the named protected area.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 20 marks)

118

41.

(a)

Forest reserves A and B, shown in the diagram below, have been designed to conserve
threatened species. Both reserves have the same area.

R ese rv e A
su rro u n d e d b y
s u s ta in a b ly m a n a g e d fo re s t
R ese rv e B
s u rro u n d e d b y c ro p la n d

Evaluate the likely effectiveness of the reserves in conserving species, with reference to
their shape and the management of surrounding land.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(4)

(b)

(i)

State four categories used to define the conservation status of species in the Red
Data Books.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

119

(ii)

For a named species with a small declining population, outline three possible
reasons why the population is decreasing.
Name of species: ...............................................................................................
1 ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
3 ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iii)

Predict the possible effects on the ecosystem if the species named in (ii) were to
disappear.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

Explain how CITES helps to protect threatened species.


......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 14 marks)

120

42.

(a)

(i)

Distinguish between genetic diversity and habitat diversity.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Describe and explain how the diversity of an ecosystem might be expected to


change throughout ecological succession.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(iii)

In December 1834 Charles Darwin visited a very small island off the coast of
South America. He noted that there were many wild goats on this island, but that
in colour and appearance they were surprisingly similar to each other. Explain why
the population might have shown this degree of similarity.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

121

The table below gives an index of the genetic diversity (the higher the number the higher the
diversity) for the buffalo populations of four reserves in South Africa, together with the size of
each reserve, and the size of the buffalo population in each.
Reserve

Area/hectares

Buffalo
population

Kruger National Park

1 945 500

30 000

0.72

Umfolozi

47 753

8400

0.54

St Lucia

38 826

175

0.45

9000

85

0.48

Addo Elephant Park

Index of genetic
diversity

[ORyan et al., Animal Conservation (1998), Volume 2, pages 85-94.


Reproduced by permission of Wiley-Blackwell.]

(iv)

Describe and explain relationships evident in the table amongst area, population
and genetic diversity.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(5)

122

(v)

Discuss how data of this sort are important in decision-making on the size of
national parks and reserves.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Identify four factors that can lead to the loss of biological diversity in an area, giving an
example of each.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 20 marks)

123

The bar-graph below shows the number of bird species found at different altitudes in the
Himalayan Mountains. These mountains, in northern India, show a transition from tropical
forest at the base, to a tundra-like ecosystem at high altitudes.
9000
8000
7000
6000
A ltitu d e / m

43.

5000
4000
3000
2000
1000

100
200
N u m b e r o f b ird s p e c ie s

300

[G M Macdonald, Biogeography: Space, Time and Life (Blackwell, 2003), p. 414.


Reproduced by permission of Wiley-Blackwell]

(a)

(i)

Define the terms species diversity and habitat diversity.


...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Use the data in the graph to state and explain the relationship between species
diversity and habitat diversity.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

124

(b)

(i)

In an African country the proportion of adult female elephants occurring naturally


without tusks increased from 10.5 % in 1969 to 38.2 % in 1989. Suggest a possible
reason for this change.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Suggest what might happen if a small population of elephants were to be isolated


from other elephants for a number of years.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(iii)

Explain the purpose of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered


Species (CITES), and state one limitation or weakness of the convention.
Purpose: ............................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
Weakness: .........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

125

(iv)

Describe a named example of the species-based approach to conservation, and


evaluate its success.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(c)

Human activities often simplify ecosystems, making them unstable. Explain this
statement.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 20 marks)

126

The following graph shows the increase in total area of two types of protected habitats in
a region of Africa between 1910 and 1990.
500
K ey:
g ra s s la n d

400
2

(a)

T o ta l a re a p ro te c te d / k m

44.

ra in fo re s t

300

200

100

1910

1930

190

1970

1990

Year
[Adapted from J Sayer, C Harcourt and N Collin , The Conservation Atlas of Tropical Forests, Africa
1992 Gale, a part of Cengage Learning, Inc. Reproduced by permission. www.cengage.com/permissions]

(i)

Suggest two reasons why there might be a greater area of grassland protected
than rainforest.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

127

(ii)

Calculate the percentage increase in protected area for each of the two habitats over
the last twenty years shown on the graph.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Suggest a possible reason for the difference between these percentage increases of
protected area for the two habitats.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iv)

Explain the significance of the increase in protected rainforest to global


biodiversity.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

128

(b)

The diagram below represents the plan of a proposed nature reserve:


K ey:
T ra n s itio n z o n e :

- H u m a n s e ttle m e n ts o f
lim ite d s iz e .

B u ff e rz o n e :

- S c ie n tific re s e a rc h .
- E c o -to u ris m .
- S u s ta in a b le e x p lo ita tio n
b y lo c a l re s id e n ts .

C o re z o n e :

- N o h u m a n a c tiv ity.

Explain the benefits of each of these three zones for the purposes of conservation.
Transition zone ............................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
Buffer zone ..................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
Core zone ....................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 11 marks)

129

45.

(a)

The concept of biodiversity includes the diversity of species, habitats and genes. Identify
which of these three, if increased, would be most likely to lead to an increase in the other
two. Explain your answer.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

Describe the mechanisms that have naturally led to an increase in global species diversity
in the past.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(4)

130

(c)

Outline one relative advantage and one disadvantage of a conservation strategy focused
on a single species compared with those focusing on whole ecosystems.
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

131

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