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Date May 2018 Marks available 3 Reference code 18M.3.SL.TZ1.14
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Suggest Question number 14 Adapted from N/A

Question

A retreating glacier leaves an environment of lifeless glacial deposits, including sands and gravels. Retreating glaciers often offer suitable sites for primary succession.

[Source: climatica.org.uk]

 

Predict the process of succession that takes place on exposed bare ground as the glacier retreats.

[3]
a.

Suggest how human activities could impact the development of an ecosystem on exposed bare ground.

[3]
b.

Markscheme

a. (bare ground) colonized by microorganisms/pioneer species 

b. thin soil forms from rock fragments/decomposing organisms 

c. soil retains water (from melting permafrost/ice) 

d. grasses/small plants/herbaceous plants/grow 

e. (larger plants) create habitats for animals 

f. weather/climate may limit plant size/biodiversity
OR
climax community forms

a.

a. buildings/roads/walking prevent plant cover/soil development/cause soil erosion 

b. may destroy moss/soil organisms / damage emerging vegetation 

c. introduce alien species 

d. rubbish/solid waste/pollution may impede natural development 

e. feces/excrement may contribute to/alter soil development / add fertilizer/pesticides to increase growth of plants 

f. sow seeds/planting and so alter diversity 

g. irrigation/drainage to affect growth

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Option C: Ecology and conservation » Option C: Ecology and conservation (Core topics) » C.2 Communities and ecosystems
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Option C: Ecology and conservation » Option C: Ecology and conservation (Core topics)
Option C: Ecology and conservation

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