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7.12 Land use, deforestation and peat bogs

5 exam questions worth 11 marks. Write your answer, open the mark scheme, then give yourself the marks you earned. Your answers are saved on this device.

0 / 11

1
Short answer [3 marks]

Give three ways humans reduce the land available for other organisms.

Mark scheme

Any three from:

  • building (1)
  • quarrying (1)
  • farming (1)
  • dumping waste / landfill (1)

Model answer

Building, quarrying and farming.

Your mark
2
Extended response [3 marks]

Explain how tropical deforestation increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Mark scheme

  • fewer trees so less photosynthesis / less CO2 removed (1)
  • trees burned, releasing CO2 (1)
  • remaining wood decays; microorganisms respire, releasing CO2 (1)

Model answer

With fewer trees, less carbon dioxide is removed by photosynthesis. The cut trees are often burned, which releases carbon dioxide, and what is left decays, so microorganisms release carbon dioxide as they respire.

Your mark
3
Short answer [2 marks]

Give two reasons why tropical forests are cut down.

Mark scheme

Any two from:

  • land for cattle (1)
  • rice fields (1)
  • crops for biofuels (1)
  • timber (1)

Model answer

To provide land for cattle and to grow crops for biofuels.

Your mark
4
Short answer [2 marks]

Explain why gardeners are encouraged to use peat-free compost.

Mark scheme

  • digging peat destroys peat bog habitats / reduces biodiversity (1)
  • peat releases CO2 when it is used / decays / burned (1)

Model answer

Digging peat destroys the bog habitat and the species living there, and the peat releases carbon dioxide as it decays.

Your mark
5
Short answer [1 mark]

Suggest why deforestation reduces biodiversity.

Mark scheme

destroys habitats (so species lose food / shelter and may become extinct)

Model answer

It destroys the habitats of many species, which may then die out.

Your mark
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