O-LevelPakistan StudiesThe environment of PakistanOct/Nov 2024 · Q125 Marks

Study Fig. 1.1, a map showing the locations of three deserts in southern and western Pakistan. [Figure 1.1]

(a)(i)Using Fig. 1.1 only, estimate the distance from east to west across the Kharan desert. Circle the correct answer. 150 km 400 km 650 km[1]
(a)(ii)Using Fig. 1.1 only, identify the desert which is: – north-east of the Kharan desert ........................................................ – located along the international border with India. .................................[2]
(a)(iii)Describe two natural features of a desert landscape in Pakistan.[2]
(a)(iv)Give two reasons why it is difficult to live in a desert in Pakistan.[2]
(b)(i)Study Figs. 1.2 and 1.3 (Insert), photographs of two different types of forest in Pakistan. Using Figs. 1.2 and 1.3 only, identify two differences between the forests shown.[2]
(b)(ii)Explain two physical factors that can affect the distribution of forests in Pakistan. You should develop your answer.[4]
(b)(iii)Describe the importance of forests to people living in Pakistan.[2]
(c)(i)Define 'deforestation'.[1]
(c)(ii)State three effects of deforestation in Pakistan.[3]
(d)Read the following two methods to improve sustainability of forests in Pakistan: method 1 planting more forest areas using afforestation schemes method 2 protecting existing forest areas using laws and regulations Which method do you think would be more effective? Give reasons to support your answer and refer to examples you have studied. You should consider method 1 and method 2 in your answer.[6]

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 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] 400 km
[1] Thal
[1] Thar
[1] arid/dry/barren
[1] sand(y)/dunes/pattis/tibbas
[1] bare rock/rocky/stony
[1] uneven/rugged/hills/ridges/dissected terrain/badlands/undulating/rolling/flat land/plain land
[1] no/sparse/scattered/scanty vegetation/small amount of vegetation
[1] rakh/scrub woodland/thorny bushes/cacti/vegetation is low to the ground
[1] oasis/dhands
[1] extreme temperatures/hot/intense heat/cold nights
[1] it is dry/arid/lack of rainfall/lack of water
[1] sandstorms/strong winds/dusty
[1] lack of fertile soil/difficult to grow crops/irrigate land/food is scarce
[1] lack of vegetation for grazing/livestock
[1] remote/far from large settlements/lack of roads/railway
[1] hard to build on uneven land/sand
[1] difficult to access power supply/utilities
[1] few job opportunities/lack of income
[1] types of tree: alpine/coniferous/evergreen vs mangroves
[1] heights/shapes of tree: tall/high/long/thin/ vs short/stunted/rounded/bushy/Fig. 1.2 are taller/Fig. 1.2 are thinner
[1] trunk: thick trunk vs thin trunk
[1] leaves: needles vs leaves
[1] roots: in the soil/underground/on (dry)land vs on wetland/submerged/flooded/in water/sea/river/aerial/ exposed/stilt roots
[1] distribution of trees: spread apart vs clustered/close together/Fig. 1.2 are further apart
[2] Altitude: Fewer trees grow at high altitudes due to frozen soils, with only alpine/coniferous/evergreen forests surviving, while more diverse trees grow at lower, warmer altitudes. Above 4000m, few trees survive the snowline; between 1000-4000m, coniferous/evergreen trees survive; below 1000m, deciduous trees are abundant.
[2] Precipitation/Aridity/Amount of rainfall: Some trees require large amounts of water (due to high evapotranspiration), while others have waxy leaves or needles to conserve water, or sloping branches to prevent snow accumulation.
[2] Temperature (hot/cold): Rakh/mangrove forests can survive in hot temperatures, whereas coniferous/evergreen/alpine forests thrive in low temperatures.
[2] Sun/Daylight availability: In northern areas, less light in winter or on certain slopes leads to trees adapting by growing taller or having fewer low branches.
[2] Relief: Fewer forest types are found on rugged land, and some trees adapt roots to hold firm on sloped ground.
[2] Soil: Alpine/coniferous/evergreen forests can grow in thin soils, while fertile soils support a wider diversity of forests.
[2] Access to water bodies: Mangroves are found along the coast, and riverain/bela forests are found along rivers or on land that floods.
[1] timber for building materials/furniture/industries
[1] fuelwood/firewood (for fuel/heating/cooking)
[1] provide shade/cooling effect for people
[1] medicinal plants
[1] food/fruits/wild meat/fish
[1] scenic beauty for tourism/leisure/relaxation/to enjoy
[1] absorb CO2/produce oxygen/cleaner air/reduce air pollution/reduces climate change/global warming
[1] flood prevention/typhoon/tsunami defence
[1] eucalyptus trees reduce waterlogging/salinity
[1] reduce soil erosion/landsliding/siltation in reservoirs/dams
[1] provide jobs/income
[1] (large scale) removal/cutting/clearance of forest/trees
[1] loss of forest products/food/named example
[1] loss of shade increases temperatures
[1] loss of scenic beauty/less attractive landscape
[1] loss of habitat/species/ecosystems/food chains
[1] increased CO2/reduced oxygen/increased air pollution/causes climate change/global warming/decreased rainfall
[1] increased flooding/flood risk
[1] causes/increases soil erosion/decreases soil fertility
[1] causes/increases siltation in reservoirs/dams
[1] higher risk of/more landslides/avalanches
[1] higher risk of/more coastal damage from typhoons/tsunamis
[L3] method 1: planting more forest areas is more/less effective: provides a sustainable supply of trees for economic gain and limits environmental damage; counters/prevents soil erosion/silting/flooding; expanding forests areas could support creation of jobs e.g. fuelwood trade generates Rs 11.3 billion a year; many industries rely on forest resources e.g. paper mills/sports goods; expensive/achievable only on a small scale; some areas of land are unsuitable for forestry; takes a long time/benefits are not immediate; land could be better used/higher demand for other uses.
[L3] method 2: protecting existing forest areas is more/less effective: relatively cheap to protect forest areas; job creation e.g. rangers; immediate benefits; maintains transpiration/shade; large areas of forest already exist and can be protected; can be difficult to enforce laws/legislation; large numbers of people rely on fuelwood need an alternative; many industries rely on wood, need a sustainable supply; need to expand forestry to help the economy/environment.