CAPE Environmental Science Unit 1 · 2012 · Paper 2

39 questions and parts from this paper. Open one to see it in full, then practise it on Quelpr and get it marked against the mark scheme.

1. 1(a)4 marksUsing an example other than agrochemicals, explain what is meant by the term 'limiting factor'.
2. 1(b)4 marksUsing the information provided in Figure 1, describe the trend in population size of the duckweed.
3. 1(c)(i)8 marksIt was determined that there was a high concentration of phosphate and nitrate in the effluent. Using the information in Figure 1, explain why the effluent concentration resulted in the trend observed in (b).
4. 1(c)(ii)4 marksExplain how the variation in the duckweed population may impact on the population of other aquatic species in the same ecosystem.
5. 2(a)4 marksDistinguish between 'gaseous biogeochemical cycles' and 'sedimentary biogeochemical cycles'. In your response give ONE example of a gaseous biogeochemical cycle and ONE example of a sedimentary biogeochemical cycle.
6. 2(b)(i)2 marksState the ten per cent rule for the transfer of energy from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem.
7. 2(b)(ii)3 marksOn the basis of the rule stated in (b)(i), explain why it will be more energy efficient for humans to eat corn rather than beef.
8. 2(c)(i)4 marksShowing how you arrived at your answer, determine which TWO countries together have a combined total of 50% deforestation.
9. 2(c)(ii)1 markBased ONLY on the information presented in Figure 2, which country would most likely have experienced the greatest loss of biodiversity?
10. 2(c)(iii)1 markIdentify the country where secondary ecological succession is LEAST likely to occur.
11. 2(c)(iv)5 marksJustify your response in (c)(iii).
12. 3(a)3 marksDefine 'per capita CO2 emissions'.
13. 3(b)(i)4 marksCalculate the total CO2 emissions for BOTH countries using the per capita data.
14. 3(b)(ii)1 markBased on the results of the calculation in (b)(i), in which of the two countries will the CO2 emissions most likely have a GREATER impact on the environment?
15. 3(c)(i)4 marksExplain how extremes of temperature can affect the distribution and activities of human populations.
16. 3(c)(ii)4 marksExplain how fertile soil can affect the distribution and activities of human populations.
17. 3(d)4 marksDiscuss TWO reasons why some people believe that poverty tends to encourage population growth.
18. 4(a)(i)2 marksIn which country will there be a greater impact on natural habitats? Give a reason for your answer.
19. 4(a)(ii)2 marksIn which country will there be a greater displacement of native species? Give a reason for your answer.
20. 4(b)3 marksOutline ONE way in which a change in lifestyle can mitigate the impacts identified in Table 2.
21. 4(c)2 marksDefine the term 'sustainable development'.
22. 4(d)6 marksExplain how high fertility rates may impact on a country's ability to achieve sustainable development.
23. 4(e)(i)1 markSuggest an appropriate fertility rate that would allow Caribbean countries to achieve sustainable development.
24. 4(e)(ii)4 marksJustify your response in (e)(i).
25. 5(a)(i)1 markIdentify the country, A, B or C, that practises consumptive use of trees.
26. 5(a)(ii)2 marksExplain the reason for your answer in (a)(i).
27. 5(a)(iii)1 markIn what year did the country you identified in (a)(i) begin to practise consumptive use?
28. 5(a)(iv)3 marksDuring the decade 1985-1995, what rate of change of tree density was observed in the country identified in (a)(i)? Show your working.
29. 5(a)(v)1 markWhich country demonstrated the LEAST change in tree density?
30. 5(b)(i)3 marksOther than logging, list THREE examples of consumptive use of natural resources important to the Caribbean.
31. 5(b)(ii)6 marksExplain THREE possible environmental impacts of this proposed development on the area.
32. 5(b)(iii)1 markWhich ONE of the three measures listed would apply to the proposed development in the country in (b)(ii)?
33. 5(b)(iv)2 marksExplain why the other measures would NOT apply to the proposed development in the country.
34. 6(a)(i)4 marksUsing ONLY the provided list of natural resources (Ground water, Bauxite, Seagrass beds, Sand, Oil, Gravel, Beaches, Coral reefs, Gold, Soil), copy and complete Table 3 by inserting TWO renewable and TWO non-renewable…
35. 6(a)(ii)6 marksDiscuss the effect of geographical and technological factors on the use of natural resources. Use suitable examples to illustrate your response.
36. 6(b)(i)2 marksDescribe the patterns in population growth and gravel extraction in the period 1900-2000.
37. 6(b)(ii)2 marksExplain the relationship between population growth and gravel extraction illustrated in Table 4.
38. 6(b)(iii)2 marksEstimate the amount of gravel that would be extracted in the year 2020.
39. 6(b)(iv)4 marksGravel extraction can have significant negative impacts on the environment. Suggest TWO ways in which these impacts can be mitigated.