O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2015 · Q425 Marks

Study Figs 7A and 7B. Fig. 7A shows the distribution of tropical rainforests in South America. Fig. 7B shows information about the climate of Georgetown (Guyana). [Figure 7A] [Figure 7B]

(a)(i)Using Fig. 7A, identify the country in South America which has no tropical rainforest in the list below. Circle your answer. Brazil Colombia Ecuador Paraguay Suriname[1]
(a)(ii)Describe the distribution of tropical rainforests on Fig. 7A by referring to lines of latitude.[2]
(a)(iii)Using Fig. 7B only, describe the main features of the climate of Georgetown.[3]
(a)(iv)Give reasons for the tropical rainforest climate at Georgetown.[4]
(b)(i)Describe three features of the forest shown in Photograph B.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain the relationship between the climate and the natural vegetation in a tropical rainforest.[5]
(c)Name an area of tropical rainforest you have studied and explain why deforestation is taking place there. Name of area ..........................................................................................................[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 (Oct/Nov 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a) (i) Paraguay 1 mark
[2] (ii) on/around Equator/near the Equator; between...appropriate latitude reference (within range of 13N and 22S) NB: need N and S. Do not need degrees. Must refer to lines of latitude. 2 @ 1 mark
[3] (iii) Ideas such as: High temperature/29/30/31 °C Low temperature range/range of 2°C/temperature is constant; High (annual) rainfall/around 2000 mm (tolerance of + or – 100 mm) of rainfall/it rains every month; Rainfall fluctuates/75mm to 300mm/wettest between May and June/driest in Sep and Oct; High humidity/69–77%/similar humidity each month. 3 @ 1 mark
[4] (iv) Ideas such as: high temperatures due to position on Equator/near Equator/low latitude/10N of Equator; high angle of sun's rays; constant overhead sun/sun's rays more concentrated; (high humidity due to) large amounts of evaporation; and lots of transpiration/evapotranspiration or from abundant vegetation; lots of condensation; low pressure/air rising/lots of convection etc.; 4 @ 1 mark
[3] (b) (i) Characteristics such as: Tall trees/emergents; Dense vegetation/undergrowth/many shrubs or bushes; Palm/banana trees; Trees of varying heights/layers; (large) variety of vegetation; thin trunks; fewer lower branches; clearing in foreground 3 @ 1 mark
[5] (ii) Ideas such as: all year round growing season so large amounts of vegetation; high temperatures encourage abundant plant growth/high biodiversity; and there is sufficient rainfall for many different plants to survive/rapid plant growth; emergents reach up for sunlight/fewer lower branches/straight trunks; drip tip leaves because of heavy rainfall; evergreen as hot and wet all year; large leaves to absorb sunlight etc. 5 @ 1 mark or development
[7] (c) Levels marking
Level 1 (1–3 marks): Statements including limited detail which explain why deforestation is taking place.
Level 2 (4–6 marks): Uses named example. More developed statements which explain why deforestation is taking place. (NB max. 5 if no named or inappropriate example)
Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements which explain why deforestation is taking place including some place specific reference.
Content Guide: Answers are likely to include reference to: Logging, Road building, Mineral extraction, HEP schemes, Settlement, Commercial agriculture, Ranching etc.
Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Named places, Specific details of development schemes etc.