Extreme Environments- possible questions and example answers
For a named extreme environment, explain how flora has adapted to survive.
(6 marks)
In the Sahel desert in sub Saharan Africa it is incredibly hot and dry. This lack of moisture forces the flora
and fauna to adapt as otherwise they would be unable to survive. The giant Saguaro cactus is perfectly
adapted for these conditions. Its leave have turned into thorns, this means it loses less water via
transpiration from the leaves.
Also the wind does not suck as much water from the plant as the thorns trap a layer of air next to the plant.
It has a think tubular stem which contains water and the inside flesh is very moist and saturated providing
water for the plant. The root system is very deep as the plant needs to reach as much water as possible. The
greater surface area of the root allows for greater absorption of water. The horns also stop thirsty animals
from breaking open the stem and drinking the fluid. Finally the stem is covered in a waxy layer to avoid
water loss.
For a named extreme environment, explain how flora and fauna have adapted to survive.
(6 marks)
In the Sahel desert in sub Saharan Africa it is incredibly hot and dry. This lack of moisture forces the flora
and fauna to adapt as otherwise they would be unable to survive. The giant Saguaro cactus is perfectly
adapted for these conditions. Its leave have turned into thorns, this means it loses less water via
transpiration from the leaves. The horns also stop thirsty animals from breaking open the stem and
drinking the fluid. The root system is very deep as the plant needs to reach as much water as possible.
Fauna for example camels have had to adapt to the arid environments, they have a leathery mouth tough
for eating thorny plants such as cactuses. Camels are also adapted by having a hump which stores fat, this
means that the camel can travel long distances across the deserts without needing to eat. The African beetle
has also adapted by having water attracting properties on its back, this means it can catch moisture form
the morning mist and then use the water droplets.
For a named hot arid or polar region, explain how life is changing for its people. (6)
Name of region: Sahel
Life is changing for populations in polar and hot arid regions because:
• Improved transport links have introduced new ideas and enabled local populations to migrant.
• Tourism has lead to traditional cultures being over-whelmed, and in some cases being exploited as an
attraction.
• Increasing levels of economic development has lead to pollution and habitat destruction.
• New developments in some regions had lead to the destruction of culturally important sites.
e.g. The aboriginal people of central Australia have experienced many changes over the past two years. In
some ways there culture has been threatened by growing tourism (1) which some believe has exploited
their cultural, turning it into a ‘disney’ attraction (2). However, more recently, growing media coverage has
led to a growing interest in traditional aboriginal foods (3) which has lead to the creation of employment
opportunities in traditional farming and hunter/gathering (4). Tourism has also lead to improvements in
transport and communication networks (5) which have brought remote aboriginal societies closer to
‘western’ civilization. These links have lead to products such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs being used and
the social problems associated. (6)
For either a named hot arid or a named polar region, explain the local actions
which have been taken to help achieve sustainability. (6)
Name of region: Sahel
In Burkina Faso Oxfam has been working with local farmers to improve soil fertility and improve
rainwater management. Diguettes, earth barriers, were laid to trap soil and soil down rainwater.
In Zambia, Oxfam has trained people to use conservation farming. Crop yields have been increased
through a multi-cropping programme. This system involves the growing of trees, shrubs, and ground level
plants all in the same area. As well as increased output this layered vegetation approach improves soil
quality and reduces moisture loss.
In Tanzania, the charity Practical Action have helped to build rainwater harvesting schemes on houses and
buildings, so any rain that does fall can be collected and reused for agriculture or domestic use.
E.g. Farming in Chad has become more sustainable due to a conservation farming technique introduced by
Oxfam. Farmers grow a wide range of foods from trees, bushes and ground plants all on the same land.
This leads to increased output, a healthier diet and the plant layers protect the soil from erosion and reduce
the flood risk. Farmers are no longer dependent on the success of one crop or its price at market.
For either a named hot arid or a named polar region, explain the global actions
which have been taken to help promote the protection of the environment. (6)
Name of region: Sahel