Question 19N.3.HL.TZ0.16d
| Date | November 2019 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 3] | Reference code | 19N.3.HL.TZ0.16d |
| Level | HL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | d | Adapted from | N/A |
By mid-2005, the Chinese government had established over 50 panda reserves. These protect more than 10 400 km2 and over 45 % of remaining panda habitat. There are also efforts to ensure the existence of natural corridors between panda populations.
[Source: Manyman/
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ailuropoda_melanoleuca#/media/File:Giant_Panda_eating_Bamboo.JPG,
licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0]
Explain how the shape and size of a protected area may influence its success in protecting the organisms and ecosystems within it.
[3]
a. size and shape determine the length of perimeter/edge
OR
smaller or irregular shapes have «relative» greater «perimeter and» edge than larger/round ✔ OWTTE
b. perimeter determines importance of edge effect
OR
edge effect is the result of interaction between adjacent ecosystems
OR
edge effect results in abrupt change of habitats ✔
c. greater edge effect results in increased biodiversity
OR
greater edge effect leave organism exposed «to abiotic factors or predators»
OR
greater edge effect allows for the influx of new species/predators ✔ Accept vice versa for smaller edge. Accept greater variety of resources or more ecological niches for biodiversity.
d. large areas can conserve a greater number of habitats
OR
larger areas give more protection against human interference/influence/pollution ✔ Accept vice versa for smaller areas. Accept greater variety of resources or more ecological niches for habitats.
e. large areas make it easier for poachers to go undetected.
OR
smaller areas may have too few resources for long-term survival ✔
f. corridors promote movement between habitats /genetic variation
OR
smaller areas connected by corridors have greater edge effect than those without corridors ✔
