O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/22 · May/June 2025 · Q48 Marks

Fig. 4.1 is a climate graph for Phoenix, in the USA. [Figure 4.1]

(a)(i)Using Fig. 4.1, calculate the annual rainfall. Tick (✔) the correct answer. rainfall (mm) tick (✔) 152 258 367 556[1]
(a)(ii)Describe the pattern of rainfall shown in Fig. 4.1. Do not use statistics in your answer.[3]
(b)Fig. 4.2 (Insert) shows some vegetation found in hot deserts. Using Fig. 4.2, explain two ways vegetation adapts to a desert climate. 1 2[4]

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 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a)(i) 258 (mm)
[3] (a)(ii) uneven/seasonal/fluctuates/varies; there is rainfall every month; rainy period lasts 9 months; two peaks; most/more/highest/higher/very high rain in winter/Dec–Feb/Jan-Feb/highest February; least/less/low rain/drier period in April-June/May-June/least in June; large increase in July/mid–Summer/December; large decrease in Spring/Autumn/April; steady/constant decrease from August to November/April to June; wetter/high(er) rainfall from July through to March/high rainfall apart from April-June. Note: Allow high Jan to March and July to December written in two separate parts of the answer. Must have whole period. Time periods must be as written in the mark scheme.
[4] (b) small leaves (1) to reduce evaporation (1); spines/thorns/spikes (1) to help reduce moisture loss/break up air flow/which can help reduce evaporation (1); hairy leaves (1) to protect against heat/insulate against cold temperatures/to reduce water loss (1); plants lose/shed leaves/have no leaves/low number of stomata/close stomata/sunken stomata/leaf pores (1) to help reduce moisture loss/transpire less (1); plants/seeds lay dormant/look dead (1) for long periods/until rain arrives (1); cactus/succulents/large body/stems/fleshy/thick leaves (1) to store water/for dry periods (1); cactus have waxy surfaces/thick cuticle (1) reduce moisture loss/transpiration (1); low growing (1) to avoid exposure to intense sunlight/reduce water loss/reduce damage from wind (1); deep/long root systems (1) to tap into underground water/to reach/get to more water (1); shallow/horizontal root systems (1) to get/catch/collect/obtain water when it rains (1). Note: 2 x 2 marks one for method and one for explanation. Must have the adaptation for explanation to be credited. Do not double credit the following terms for explanation i.e. evaporation, moisture loss, transpiration and evapotranspiration; each can be credited once. Where appropriate these terms can be used interchangeably.