Ecosystems HSC Short Answers
2011
Recommend ONE primary and ONE secondary geographical method that could be used to assist in the
management of an ecosystem at risk that you have studied. 8 lines 4 marks
Describe the effect of ONE natural and ONE human induced change on an ecosystem at risk that you
have studied. 8lines 4 marks
How could Cuc Phuong National Park be managed to respond to human induced changes which place
the ecosystem at risk? IN your answer refer to sources on pages 2 and 3 of the stimulus booklet. 8 line 4
marks
2010
Management and Protection





Maintenance of genetic diversity
Utility value
Intrinsic values
Heritage values
Need to allow for natural change
For ONE of the factors in the above diagram, justify the importance for the management and protection
of ecosystems at risk. 18 lines 6 marks
Read article in examination paper then…
How does geographical understanding of ecosystems at risk help rangers in the Kimberley apply
traditional and contemporary management strategies. 12 lines 4 marks
With reference to an ecosystem you have studied, describe the use of ONE traditional and ONE
contemporary management strategy. 12 lines 4 marks.
2009
From Source C, identify ONE feature that could be classed as an ecosystem at risk and ONE feature that
could be classified as an economic enterprise. 1 line and 1 mark each
Diagram showing a précis map of Source D

Use sources C and D to complete the legend for the précis map and than shade the map
appropriately. 3 marks.


Referring to the précis map, identify a change between Source c and Source D and explain how
the ecosystem has been affected. 6 lines 3 marks
With reference to Sources C and D, what would be the effect of long term sea level rise on
Manama’s coastal ecosystems? 4 lines 2 marks
Cross-section in examination paper from Source B


Calculate the Vertical Exaggeration I line 2 marks
By referring to Sources A, B and E, describe the effects of latitude, altitude, precipitation and
vegetation on the Rara Lake environment. 8 lines 4 marks
2008
Refer to Source D
 How is the English estuary ecosystem both vulnerable and resilient to natural stress. 8 lines 4
marks
 Explain how human induced modifications to energy flows would affect this ecosystem. 8 lines 4
marks
2007
Source D then…


Name and locate an ecosystem that could be investigated using fieldwork. 2 lines 2 marks
Formulate a geographical question to investigate the ecosystem identified above and state Two
primary sources that could be used to collect relevant data. 6 lines 3 marks
Cross section of Source D then


Calculate the vertical exaggeration of the cross-section. I line I mark
Name a water source which would be suitable as part of Vancouver’s water supply. Justify your
answer. 4 lines 2 marks
2006
Source E transect Skills

Identify TWO changes. 2 lines 2 marks
Source G and H

2005
Evaluate the usefulness, validity and reliability of the Southern Oscilliation Index as a tool for
predicting drought in Australia
What is genetic diversity? 3 lines 1 mark
Ecosystem diagram in the examination paper. The…

Explain how overfishing of the secondary consumer in the ecosystem could affect the diversity
and functioning of the ecosystem. 8 lines 4 marks.
2004
Skill cross-section in examination paper

With reference to the cross-section and Source D, calculate the vertical exaggeration of the
cross- section. 1 line 1 mark.
Identify TWO changes of landuse that have occurred since 1968 along the transect between the
spot heights of Mt Louisa GR 728681 and Mt Stuart GR 768610. 2lines 1 mark
Outline ONE biophysical reason for the change in urban development since 1968 in the north
western quadrant of the map. 4 lines 2 marks
Identify and explain ONE change to the flow of the Ross River since 1968. 6 lines 3 marks.



Image of possible changes in an ecosystem over time.


Identify ONE natural stress that could have occurred at B 1 line 1 mark
Describe changes in the functioning of the ecosystem that are likely to occur over the 500 years
following the natural stress event at B. 6 lines 3 marks.
Identify and describe ONE factor that affects the vulnerability and resilience of ecosystems. 8
lines 3 marks
Identify ONE traditional management strategy or practice, and suggest why it can be effective in
the management of ecosystems. 8 lines 3 marks.


2003
Source C and cross –section in examination paper



Calculate the vertical exaggeration of the cross –section shown. 1 line 1 mark.
State the purpose of the vertical exaggeration of a cross-section. 2 lines 1 mark.
Suggest ONE reason why there are no footpaths evident in Section A of the transect. 2 lines 1
mark
On the transect, in each of Section A and Section B, mark and label one importtant transport
feature other than a foot path. Mark on transect 2 marks.

2003
Source F and G

State the relationship between relief and annual average rainfall. 2 lines 1 mark.


A ridge runs from GR 443660 to GR 446660. Identify a type of vegetation immediately north
and immediately south of this ridge. 2 lines 2 marks.
Suggest ONE reason for the difference in vegetation types on either side of the ridge identified
above. 2 lines 1 mark.
Sources F G and H
Explain TWO geographic factors that contribute to the distribution of the Antarctic Beech ecosystem. 8
lines 4 marks.
2002
Sources D E and F
An environmental impact report must be written before drilling at AR3593


From the sources identify ONE ecosystem that could be placed at risk as a result of drilling for
oil. 2 lines 1 mark.
Outline TWO likely impacts that the drilling could have on the ecosystem identified above. 8
lines 4 marks.
2001
Source I and K
Identify TWO human activities that may place the Avon-Heathcote Estuary at risk. 4 lines 2 marks.
Identify a management strategy currently used in the Avon-Heathcote Estuary, and evaluate its likely
success in terms of ecological sustainability of this ecosystem. 8 lines 4 marks.
What are Two important questions that a geographer could ask to determine the validity and reliability
of the ‘ Selected Bird Numbers” information? 8 lines 4 marks.