O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · May/June 2015 · Q425 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 6, which shows tropical rainforest vegetation. [Figure 6]

(a)(i)The tropical rainforest has a hot, wet climate. Tick the correct pair of figures in the table below to show the annual average temperature and rainfall. average annual temperature annual average rainfall 15°C 250 mm 30°C 2500 mm 60°C 750 mm[1]
(a)(ii)On Fig. 6, label the following layers: • canopy; • emergents.[2]
(a)(iii)Describe the processes which lead to a high annual rainfall in the tropical rainforest.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain why the tropical rainforest has a wide variety of plants, insects and animals.[4]
(b)(i)Study Fig. 7, a map of a small area of rainforest in Brazil. [Figure 7] Using Fig. 7 only, identify three ways in which the rainforest is being used to create wealth for Brazil and employment for its people.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain why the tropical rainforest is important globally.[5]
(c)For a named tropical rainforest you have studied, describe the impact of deforestation on the local natural environment. Name of tropical rainforest .....................................................[7]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a) (i) 30C and 2500mm NB: If candidates have more than one tick = 0 marks.
[2] (ii) Labelling in Fig. 6
[3] (iii) heating by sun/high temperatures/direct sunlight; evaporation; transpiration/evapotranspiration; ascending air/convection; cooling; condensation/cumulus or cumulonimbus clouds form; saturation.
[4] (iv) high rainfall/humid/use of rainfall statistics; high temperatures/use of temperature statistics; optimum/ideal/perfect growing conditions/(frequent) photosynthesis; no seasons/continuous growing season/hot and wet all year round; many layers of vegetation; rapid nutrient cycling; habitats for organisms/or example/provides shelter or shady areas; large supplies of food for insects/animals/birds/decomposers; many areas are still not exploited by people/little human disturbance.
[3] (b) (i) cattle/ ranching; forestry/selling of wood for profit/lumbering; mining; commercial farming/planned agriculture; highway building/maintenance/transport of goods; selling fish/fishing for profit.
[5] (ii) creation of oxygen; reduction of carbon dioxide; 'lungs of the earth'; reduces global warming/reduces greenhouse effect; reduces coastal or global flooding risk; impact on transpiration/water cycling/rainfall patterns; source of medicines; some undiscovered are potential cures for eg cancer; source of raw materials/fuels/resources or example; diversity of species/biodiversity/there are millions of species; preservation of cultures etc. NB: No reserve on people or economy.
[7] (c) Level 1 (1–3 marks): Statements including limited detail which describe impacts of deforestation on local natural environment. Level 2 (4–6 marks): Uses named example. More developed statements which describe impacts of deforestation on local natural environment. NB: MAX 5 with no named example or inappropriate example. Accept countries except Brazil or a country where there is only a small amount of rainforest such as Australia. Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements including place specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to impacts on: species, habitats, food chains, soils, rivers etc. Place specifics references are likely to be to named parts of the chosen rain forest or named species.