Question 1: Define 'biodiversity' and give an example of its importance within a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms within an ecosystem; for example, the Amazon rainforest contains diverse species like jaguars, macaws, and countless plant species, which contribute to ecosystem stability and resilience.

Question 2: What is 'climate change' and how does it impact coral reefs?

Answer: Climate change involves long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns, which cause coral bleaching due to increased sea temperatures and ocean acidification, threatening reef health.

Question 3: Explain 'deforestation' and its effects on the Amazon Rainforest ecosystem.

Answer: Deforestation is the removal of trees and vegetation, leading to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and increased carbon emissions, which threaten the rainforest's ecological functions.

Question 4: Describe what 'overfishing' entails and its impact on marine ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.

Answer: Overfishing involves catching fish at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to declines in fish populations and disrupting food chains in marine ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef.

Question 5: Define 'sustainable management' in the context of ecosystems.

Answer: Sustainable management involves practices that balance ecological health with human needs, ensuring ecosystems can recover and function long-term.

Question 1: Which of the following is a primary cause of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest?

Answer: Cattle ranching

Question 2: Name the process by which increased carbon emissions lead to global temperature rise.

Answer: Greenhouse effect

Question 3: Identify two major human activities contributing to the degradation of coral reefs.

Answer: Overfishing and coastal pollution

Question 4: What is the main consequence of habitat fragmentation in tropical rainforests?

Answer: It isolates species populations, reducing genetic diversity and increasing extinction risk.

Question 5: Describe the concept of 'ecological resilience' and its relevance to ecosystems under pressure.

Answer: Ecological resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances; it determines how well ecosystems can withstand pressures like deforestation or climate change.

Question 1: Based on the case study of the Amazon Rainforest, identify two major pressures affecting its biodiversity.

Answer: Deforestation driven by logging and agriculture, and climate change causing altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures.

Question 2: Explain how illegal logging in the Amazon impacts local and global ecosystems.

Answer: Illegal logging leads to habitat loss, reduces biodiversity, contributes to climate change through increased carbon emissions, and destabilizes regional climate systems.

Question 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of Brazil's protected areas in conserving Amazon biodiversity based on recent data.

Answer: Protected areas have helped limit deforestation locally; however, illegal activities and inadequate enforcement reduce overall effectiveness. Success varies regionally, and reliance on protected zones alone is insufficient without sustainable land-use policies and community engagement.

Question 4: Discuss the potential impacts of continued climate change on the Amazon rainforest's ecosystem services.

Answer: Continued climate change could lead to reduced rainfall, increased frequency of droughts, and fires, which threaten biodiversity, carbon sequestration capacity, and the livelihoods of indigenous communities. Ecosystem services such as water regulation and climate regulation would be compromised.

Question 1: Explain why climate change disproportionately affects coral reefs like the Great Barrier Reef.

Answer: Coral reefs are sensitive to temperature increases; even slight rises cause bleaching. Ocean acidification weakens coral skeletons, and increased storm activity damages reef structures. These effects are exacerbated by local stressors like pollution.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of habitat loss in Southeast Asia's tropical forests.

Answer: Major causes include logging for timber, agricultural expansion such as palm oil plantations, infrastructure development, and illegal land clearing. These activities are driven by economic development needs and global demand for commodities, leading to widespread deforestation.

Question 1: To what extent are current conservation strategies effective in mitigating pressures on ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef? Justify your answer.

Answer: Conservation strategies like protected areas and international agreements have had mixed success. While they help preserve biodiversity locally, illegal activities, insufficient enforcement, and global economic pressures undermine their effectiveness. Sustainable development, community involvement, and global climate action are essential for long-term success. Overall, current measures are beneficial but need strengthening to address complex pressures effectively.

Question 2: Evaluate the potential of technological innovations, such as remote sensing and genetic engineering, in conserving ecosystems under pressure.

Answer: Technological innovations offer promising tools for conservation. Remote sensing enables monitoring deforestation and coral bleaching in real-time, facilitating rapid response. Genetic engineering can help bolster resilience of endangered species. However, ethical concerns, high costs, and accessibility issues pose challenges. These technologies should complement traditional conservation methods for optimal impact.