A-LevelBiologyBiodiversity and conservation9700/41 · May/June 2022 · Q812 Marks

(a) Over the past 200 years, many species of animals and plants have become extinct. [Figure 8.1] Key ---- number of species x----x human population

(a)(i)It has been suggested that there is a correlation between the number of species becoming extinct and the size of the world human population. Suggest reasons for this possible correlation.[3]
(a)(ii)Calculate the rate of species extinction per year between 1950 and 2000. Show your working. answer =[2]
(b)Extinction of animal and plant species reduces biodiversity. Explain why it is important to maintain biodiversity.[7]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[3] (a)(i) any three from: 1 habitat loss; 2 for, agriculture / building / roads / forestry / mines / development ; 3 hunting / fishing; 4 collecting plants; 5 humans aid spread of (animal / plant) disease ; 6 humans aid spread of, alien / invasive / competing, species ; 7 (named) pollution / pesticides ;
[2] (a)(ii) 1 (29000-7000) / (2000-1950) or 22000 / 50 ; 2 440 ;
[7] (b) any seven from: 1 (named) food ; 2 (named) medicines ; 3 wood / fibres / paper / rubber ; 4 genetic diversity for future use ; 5 science / technology / research ; 6 education; 7 aesthetic/wellbeing; 8 (eco)tourism / attract visitors ; 9 ethical/moral / stewardship; 10 local cultural significance ; 11 maintain / protect / stability of, food chains / food webs ; 12 pollination / ecosystem services ; 13 protect against, soil erosion / coastal erosion / flooding; 14 soil formation ; 15 (named) mineral, cycles / recycling OR ref. to stage in cycle of named element ; 16 climate stability;

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