1.

(a) Distinguish between the concept of a “charismatic” (flagship) species and a

keystone species using named examples. [4]

Charismatic species selected to appeal to the public and thereby help to protect other
species in an area. These species are charismatic, recognized, popular, large and furry
but may not have significant role, They are used to ask for funds like the giant
panda.Species that are vital for the continuing function of the ecosystem. Without these
species the ecosystem may collapse. Their disappearance from ecosystem has a far
greater impact than to the system. They are not proportional to their numbers/biomass.
These species can be difficult to identify like the sea otter eating sea urchins.

(b) Explain the role of two historical influences in shaping the development of the
environmental movement. [7]
Chernobyl 1986 was a cloud of highly radioactive dust was sent into the atmosphere
and fell over a large amount of land. This resulted in an increased incidence of cancers
and raised issues regarding the general safety of Soviet nuclear power. Led to relocation
of over 336000 people. Formed a fledgling environmental movement into a potent
political force in Russia. Silent spring of 1962 where author made a case against
chemical pollution, mainly against use of pesticide DDT. She documented harmful
effects of DDT in food chains and led to widespread concerns about the use of
pesticides. Pushed the environmental movement and led to laws banning DDT.
(c) Discuss the implications of environmental value systems in the protection of tropical
biomes. [9]
Anthropocentrics are people centered meaning they believe people can manage the
environment in a sustainable manner. This underlying faith in humanity can be a
motivating factor for people to become more environmentally friendly however it can
also lead to conflicts seeing as problems are solved via a wider consensus with
community participation. Population control is seen as important and regulation and
policies can be used to manage the use of natural resources. Technocentrists trust in
science and technology to provide solutions to environmental problems, however since
they have a pro-growth agenda this could lead to further environmental problems. They
seek for scientific analyses and understanding of issues and solutions need to be limited
to experts. Ecocentrist are more focused on the rights of the environments placing
biorights above people and technology. They seeks to raise awareness about
environmental issues and aim to change people´s mentalities and lifestyles.
2. (a) Outline how soil can be viewed as an ecosystem. [4]
Soils are rich ecosystems, composed of both living and non-living matter with a
multitude of interaction between them. They are home for many organisms like worms,
producers and decomposers and play a major part in cycles like the carbon, hydrological
and nitrogen.

(b) Compare and contrast the impact of humans on the carbon and nitrogen cycles. [7]
On nitrogen cycle, effect like the production of l based fertilizers has converted large
amounts of N2 into NO3 meaning that in agriculture, the use of fertilizers, and burning
biomass has led to added amounts of NO3 into ecosystem. This runs off into oceans and
lakes contributing to eutrophication. Also fossil fuel based cars and power plants release
large amounts of NOx into the atmosphere. This means NOx will combine with H2O to
produce acid rain and global warming since NOx is a powerful greenhouse gase. By
burning fossil fuels, and as well through cars and power plants, carbon dioxide is
released into the atmosphere contributing to global warming and the greenhouse effect.
Overheating due to extra carbon in the atmosphere may lead to destruction like flooding
of ecosystems and shifting of biomes.
(c) Discuss the role of humans in the destabilization of ecological systems. [9]
The CO₂ emissions that come from burning fossil fuels are affecting the planet’s
ecosystem. The increase of CO₂ in the atmosphere traps heat that would otherwise
escape into space, increasing the Earth’s overall temperature. This has caused Arctic ice
and glaciers to melt and raise ocean levels. The loss of reflective ice and increase in
water, which absorbs heat, adds to the rising temperatures. Also, as our population
continues to increase, humans create more and larger farms, which means removing the
dwindling number of forests. Forests are also cleared for the lumber that we use to build
our houses and to make room for new houses. About 18 million acres of trees are clear-
cut every year for wood. This has devastating effects for the wildlife that once called
those forests home. This means that biomes are shifting, and animals are going into
extinction. Furthermore, humans pollute the land, water and air with unwanted refuse.
Almost 2.4 billion people don’t have access to clean water. The U.S. alone produces 147
metric tons of air pollution. In some countries, the smog caused by air pollution is
deadly and can block out the sun in a dense haze. It is rare to find a beach in the world
that doesn’t have litter. Humans produce about 300 million tons of plastic each year.
More than 8 million tons of that plastic are dumped into the oceans, and in 2017, an
estimated 5 trillion pieces of plastic littered the seas.