Unit 3
A contested planet
© Oxford University Press 2009
Section A – 80 minutes & 50 marks
Exam Structure
Unit 3 has 6 topics
• Energy Security
• Water Conflicts
Physical Topics
• Biodiversity under threat
• Superpowers
• Briding the development gap Human Topics
• The technological fix
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You will get 5 questions from
the 6 topics each with 2 parts
(a&b). You answer two full Q’s.
Which topic is missing from this
Jan 2010 paper?
Superpowers is missing.
Reason: This will be the
synoptic part worth 40marks
which everyone has to answer.
The topic changes every year.
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Synoptic – You will be told
approx 4weeks before the exam
what the synoptic topic is, &
given a booklet to learn about
& research specific examples.
The 10mark part a will always
be a stimulus/data response.
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Section B – 70
minutes & 40 marks
No choice of
question or topic
This is an example of a synoptic booklet!
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Summary:
Section A. You choose two full questions from a
choice of 5. Worth 50 marks in total, spend
80minutes on it.
Section B. You get given no choice. A prerelease synoptic is issued 4 weeks prior to the
exam. You will be asked 3 questions worth a
total of 40marks and spend 70minutes on it.
TOTAL EXAM TIME 2hr 30mins
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http://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Revision-Notes-Geographyebook/dp/B00C3H89ZQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=137
0332939&sr=1-1&keywords=geography+a2+my+revision+notes
Succeed in
Geography
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-A2-Geography-SueWarn/dp/0340949546/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=137
0332887&sr=1-1&keywords=edexcel+a2+geography+textbook
Biodiversity under threat
A Brand New Topic
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Learning Checklist
(1)Defining Biodiversity (key definitions)
(2)Processes & factors influencing biodiversity, e.g.
endemism, climate & human activity
(3) The global distribution of biodiversity with
pivotal areas
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5ssjM2Fjuc
Why Biodiversity Matters…
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Biodiversity:
Biodiversity results from
natural processes which vary
across the world. Many
ecologists define it as the total
number of genes, species and
ecosystems in a given area.
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Ecosystem:
In
approximately
50words write
your own
definition of
an ecosystem.
http://www.y
outube.com/
watch?v=iRhd
Ds91aas
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Biome:
A large naturally occurring
community of flora and fauna
occupying a major habitat.
http://www.youtube.com/wat
ch?v=90XU0B_ya6g
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A5eeE93uEA
The Global Distribution of Biomes:
In 2 paragraphs describe the distribution of global biomes. Use
continents & named countries in your answer
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From each photo name the ecosystem/biome, there are 8 in total
1
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From each photo name the ecosystem/biome, there are 8 in total
2
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From each photo name the ecosystem/biome, there are 8 in total
3
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From each photo name the ecosystem/biome, there are 8 in total
4
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From each photo name the ecosystem/biome, there are 8 in total
5
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From each photo name the ecosystem/biome, there are 8 in total
6
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From each photo name the ecosystem/biome, there are 8 in total
7
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From each photo name the ecosystem/biome, there are 8 in total
8
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ANSWERS:
1 – Savanna Grassland
4 – Temperate Deciduous Forest
2 - Desert
5 – Coniferous Forest (taiga)
7 – Tundra
8 – Mediterranean
3 – Tropical Rainforest
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6 – Temperate Grassland
/8
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tundra.htm
Tundra
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http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/taiga.htm
Coniferous Forest (taiga)
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http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/deciduous_forest.htm
Temperate Deciduous Forest
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http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/desert.htm
Desert
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http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/savanna.htm
Savanna Grassland
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http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/rainforest.htm
Tropical Rainforest
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http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/grasslands.htm
Temperate Grassland
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Learning Checklist
(1)Processes & factors influencing biodiversity, e.g.
endemism, climate & human activity
(2) The value of ecosystems in terms of biodiversity
and ecological resources
(3) Global distribution of areas under threat, e.g.
hotspots, threatened species.
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Global distribution of biodiversity
What is this showing? Write down your ideas then we’ll discuss
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What is this showing? Write down your ideas then we’ll discuss
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How does this image link to biodiversity?
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Key Definitions
BIOME- is a major regional group of distinctive plant and
animal communities best adapted to the region's physical
natural environment, latitude, elevation, and terrain.
BIOMASS- the accumulation of living matter. It is the total
living biological material in a given area or of a biological
community or group. Biomass is measured by weight, or by
dry weight, per given area (usually measured per square
metre or square kilometer).
NET PRIMARY PRODUCTVITY – the amount of CO2
vegetation takes in during photosynthesis minus how much
carbon dioxide the plants release during respiration
(metabolizing sugars and starches for energy).
ECOCLINE – a transition from one ecosystem to anotherwhere there is no clear boundary from one system to
another.
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Differences in NPP in different ecosystems
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Key
Definitions
Genetic
diversity
Species Richness
Total no. of
species
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Biodiversity
Species
diversity
Ecosystem
diversity
Endemism
Disparity
Abundance of
species
What is genetic
diversity?
Range of species found within a species.
The diversity will often determine the
degree of resistance to pests and
diseases.
In Agribusiness, breeding new varieties
of cereals has led to genetic erosion
and genetic pollution. This can weaken
the plant.
What impact could
this have in the
future on food
security?
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What is species This is the wide variety of plant and
animal species present in an
diversity?
ecosystem.
Diversity is needed to enable the
ecosystem to carry out its functions
such as carbon cycling.
What will removal of
species from trophic
levels have on energy
flows and nutrient
cycles?
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An ecosystem is a set of interacting,
interdependent living and non-living
organisms. Diversity relates to the
number of different ecosystems within
a given area. Partly controlled by
physical conditions, particularly
climate, geology, relief and soils.
The ability of humans to
change and modify an
ecosystem is a threat!
Oh dear!
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What is
Ecosystem
diversity?
Processes and factors that influence biodiversity
Global/Continental Factors
Size of area – only comparing similar
ecosystems
History and Age – Oldest and least disturbed
ecosystems more diverse.
Isolation – geographical isolation increases
endemism
Altitudinal range – A range of different climates
e.g. Ocean depths increase diversity.
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Geographical Isolation
• The most famous ecologists of ALL time.
• Studied on the Galapagos islands (12 islands
equator) Endemic species
• Founded the theory of evolution and natural
selection – Origin of the Species
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7IK_qt0hEw
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Endemism Richness Map
Endemism is the ecological state of being unique to a defined geographic location,
such as an island, nation or other defined zone, or habitat type.
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Regional Factors
Productivity – high productivity = abundant
energy. Warm temperatures, high nutrients,
and plentiful light increase productivity.
Heterogeneity – wider range of habitats
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Local Factors
Local Factors
Disturbance – fire, flooding, storms
Interaction between species
Dispersal and colonisation – seed dispersal
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Correlation with altitude
Highest levels in tropical countries (tend to be LICS with least
resources to support conservation strategies)
All developed countries have strategies to reduce biodiversity
loss
Gradual reduction towards higher latitudes
Pattern linked to presence or absence of controlling factors on
primary productivity
Anomolies exist (ie Australia – high level of endemism)
Brazil Top – 55,000 flowering plants, 1,635 birds, 4000
mammals + includes Amazonia
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Exam Question linking to the first two strands: Jan 2012
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January 2012
Q3)a)
Explain how physical factors
influence the distribution of
biodiversity shown (10)
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Biodiversity Hotspots
A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with a significant reservoir of
biodiversity that is under threat from humans. The concept of biodiversity hotspots was
originated by Norman Myers in two articles in “The Environmentalist” (1988). At present
there are 25 Biodiversity hotspots as classified under this definition.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2
q7MMyKWs8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq
UdcW_uNMo
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Biodiversity Hotspots
A biodiversity hotspot is an area
containing a huge number of species, a
large percentage of which is endemic.
Described as ‘the most remarkable places
on Earth and the most threatened’.
They cover less than 2% of the Earth’s
surface, yet contain 44% of the worlds
plant species and 35% of its animal
species.
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There are 3 types of Hotspot
CONTINENTAL - E.G CAPE FLORAL S.Africa
LARGE ISLAND – E.G. BORNEO
SMALL ISLAND – E.G KOMODO
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Lonesome_George
Lonesome
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nat
ure/episodes/the-loneliestanimals/update-galapagostortoise-lonesome-georgedies/7756/
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nat
ure/episodes/the-loneliestanimals/update-galapagostortoise-lonesome-georgedies/7756/
http://www.galapagos.org/ab
out_galapagos/lonesomegeorge/
Lonesome George: last one of his
species! Found on the Galapagos…
He is now dead, he had an innings of
100+years!
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Biodiversity Hotspots
Tropical Rainforests contain 50% of the world’s
species in just 7% of global land area
They also account for 80% of all insects and 90% of
primates
Tropical America has 85,000 species of flowering
plants; Europe has 11,300
Areas with concentrations of hotspots are known as
‘pivotal areas’
For example, the Indo-Burma region and the
Philippines are considered such hotspots
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Biodiversity Hotspots
Productivity (how quickly new plant tissue is added)
is important, as well as biodiversity.
Biomass is measured in kg/m2, whereas productivity
is measured as kg/m2/year.
Tropical ecosystems have the highest NPP* (net
primary productivity) and rainforests tend to have
the highest biomass
* Net primary production is the rate at which all the plants in an ecosystem
produce net useful chemical energy;
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VALUES
Provisioning: (goods) direct from the ecosystem e.g. food, timber.
Some sustainable e.g. fruit others exhausting supplies e.g. wood.
Can put an economic value on.
Regulating: those which are vital to the functioning of the earths
system e.g. carbon sinks.
Cultural: aesthetic and spiritual enjoyment that people enjoy from
ecosystems.
Supporting: processes such as nutrient cycling, soil formation and
primary production which are vital to the functioning of the
ecosystem itself, not people.
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Homework
“Human Activity is a major factor affecting
biodiversity”
Using the theory from p67 & p68 & fig.3.2 in
revision. As well as http://redpathmuseum.mcgill.ca/Qbp/3.Conservation/imp
acts.htm (a case study of Canada)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_new
s/newsid_8395000/8395075.stm (a case
study of The Galapagos).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKIjmU
IoZ84 Biodiversity in Canada.
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Learning Checklist
(1)Biodiversity is threatened globally (e.g. climate
change) and locally (e.g. by economic
development)
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3.3 Biodiversity under threat
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISsgjpDJaek –
Threats to Biodiversity (man-made threats)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QcRk8atbmg
– Biodiversity an imminent threat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4xK6taJWrI –
Threats in the Aegean sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps6c4tGxnHM
– Invasive exotic species (alien species)
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Task: turn to page 103-105 in
the Parrot book
Use this to help you complete
the worksheet.
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3.3 Biodiversity under threat
http://www.conservation.org/where/priority_
areas/hotspots/Pages/hotspots_main.aspx
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD
d2kWhY00M – The Causcasus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y
Zy1VLRw8s – The Atlantic Forest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv
af5fEpdcI – South-West Australia
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“Explain the pattern of alien species and suggest the
possible impact of alien species on ecosystems” (10)
SAM material
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