ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE and SOCIETY...nests of Swift Parrots forcing out the Swift Parrot adults and often consuming the eggs or chicks. Complete the table, stating the name of the relationships

Tasmanian Certificate of Education External Assessment 2016

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE and SOCIETY

(ESS315114)

PART 1 Time: 36 minutes Candidate Instructions 1. You MUST make sure that your responses to the questions in this examination paper will show

your achievement in the criteria being assessed.

2. Answer ALL questions. Answers must be written in the spaces provided on the examination paper.

3. You should make sure you answer all parts within each question so that the criterion can be assessed.

4. This examination is 3 hours in length.

5. It is recommended that you spend approximately 36 minutes in total answering the questions in this booklet.

6. The 2016 External Examination Information Sheet for Environmental Science and Society can be used throughout the examination.

7. All written responses must be in English.

On the basis of your performance in this examination, the examiners will provide results on each of the following criteria taken from the course statement:

Criterion 2 Develop, interpret and evaluate experiments and investigations.

© Copyright for part(s) of this examination may be held by individuals and/or organisations other than the office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification.

PLACE YOUR CANDIDATE LABEL HERE

Pages: 12 Questions: 5 Attachments: Information Sheet

Section Total: /33

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Question 1

A student read that the seeds of some Australian plants germinate after bushfires. The student was unsure of the factor that resulted in germination; whether it was temperature or smoke.

The student conducted several experiments trialling different temperatures as well as exposing some seeds to a large quantity of smoke.

(a) State the Dependent Variable in this experiment. (1 mark)

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(b) Explain why the student performed separate experiments for testing the effect of temperature and for testing the effect of smoke. (2 marks)

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(c) The student fixed a number of variables including light levels and carbon dioxide concentration. Explain why it is important to fix variables such as these when conducting experiments. (2 marks)

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(d) The student was aware that increased carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is the reason for global warming and so he decided to increase the concentration of CO2 to 20%. As a result none of the seeds germinated.

Explain why elevated CO2 concentration may have affected this experiment. (2 marks)

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Question 2

Coral reefs occur in equatorial and tropical waters around the globe. Recently increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have caused ocean acidification. This has led to phenomena where the coral dies and we observe this as coral bleaching. Scientists are currently studying the factors that lead to coral bleaching, in particular the importance of symbiotic algae.

(a) Formulate a hypothesis to explain coral bleaching that could be investigated by a scientist working in the laboratory. (3 marks)

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(b) Briefly outline how you would set up this experiment with regard to the following: (3 marks)

(i) Manipulating the Independent Variable

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(ii) Measuring the Dependent Variable

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(iii) Establishing a Control

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Question 2 (continued)

(c) State one other factor that is critical to the design of all experiments and outline its importance in this case. (2 marks)

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Question 3

Students on an ecology excursion studied the vegetation on the dunes behind a Tasmanian beach. They noticed a change in the vegetation along the track to the beach and produced the following diagram showing the major species present.

(a) The teacher asked the students if the school could keep this diagram and the data used to collect it because it would be a useful comparison for future excursions.

State the name for data such as this when it is used for ongoing studies. (1 mark)

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(b) State one way in which this diagram could be made more useful in a long-term study. (1 mark)

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Eucalypts

Banksias

Spinifex

Carpark foredune ocean

High tide mark

She Oaks

Boobyalla (coastal w

attle)



(c) Describe two methods of sampling this ecosystem such that this data would be more useful in the future. (4 marks)

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Question 4

A group of students on an excursion investigated a small freshwater stream in their local area called Rocky Rivulet. The students sampled a number of sites and recorded the positions of these sites on a schematic diagram as shown below.

Schematic Diagram of Rocky Rivulet

The students wanted to examine the effect of runoff on water quality as the stream, which starts in bushland passes through suburban and light industrial areas. The students discovered a drainpipe from a factory entering the stream at their second sampling site (see photo). They decided to collect a number of samples at the factory site as outlined below: 2a the water upstream of the drainpipe, 2b the water coming from the drainpipe and 2c the water 50 m downstream of the drainpipe. Drainpipe bringing drainage from the factory The following table summarises the water quality measurements.

Site Conductivity (μS) pH Dissolved O2 (ppm) 1 20 7.0 10.8 2a 40 7.2 10.0 2b 1110 9.1 4.5 2c 80 7.6 9.7 3 400 8.4 9.6


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Upstream

Downstream

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2a

2c 2b

Bushland

Factory

Urbanisation

Industrial Area



(a) By referring to the information provided opposite, answer the following:

(i) Explain the importance of sampling at Site 1. (2 marks)

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(ii) Explain why conductivity has been used as a measure of water quality. (2 marks)

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(b) State one factor that could be investigated if E.coli counts were performed at each sampling site. (1 mark)

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(c) Suggest one improvement to the sampling method and justify your suggestion. (2 marks)

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Question 5

The image below shows the effect of salinity on the growth of a crop.

Salt affected croplands

An agricultural scientist wished to determine the extent of areas affected by the build-up of salt in the soil.

(a) Outline one method which would enable this to be done using remote sensing. (2 marks)

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(b) Explain how the remote sensing data could be checked or calibrated. (2 marks) ........................................................................................................................................

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(c) State one other abiotic factor that could be measured remotely on this farm. (1 mark) ........................................................................................................................................

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This question paper and any materials associated with this examination (including answer booklets, cover sheets, rough note paper, or information sheets) remain the property of the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification.



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Criterion 5 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ecological processes.




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Question 6

In Australia, gum trees (Eucalyptus sp.) change form as they grow from their juvenile stage, where they are bushy, to a taller straighter adult form. As a consequence of this change, eucalypts lose their lower branches and this is a process that continues throughout their lifetimes. When eucalypts lose their limbs, parrots of many different species peck at the wood and eventually open up nesting hollows. These hollows are enlarged over time and eventually they may provide nests for Sugar Gliders and other possums.

In Tasmania, Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) populations are endangered by the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps), which was introduced from mainland Australia. Sugar Gliders will take over the nests of Swift Parrots forcing out the Swift Parrot adults and often consuming the eggs or chicks.

Complete the table, stating the name of the relationships between the species. (2 marks)

Species Relationship

Eucalypt tree and nesting Swift Parrot

Sugar Glider and adult Swift Parrots

Sugar glider consuming Swift Parrot eggs or chicks

Various species of parrots using the nest hollows

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Sugar Glider occupying a nest hollow


Question 7

The following table shows the species encountered on the intertidal rock platform shown in the picture opposite.

Zone Splash Zone

High Tide Zone

Rockpool

Mid Tide Zone

Low Tide Zone

Producers cyanobacteria phytoplankton green algae (seaweed)

phytoplankton mermaid’s necklace coralline algae

phytoplankton green algae (seaweed)

phytoplankton green algae (seaweed) bull kelp

Filter Feeding Consumers

small mussel oyster

waratah anemone large mussel

large mussel oyster

waratah anemone large mussel

Grazing Consumers

blue periwinkle black periwinkle small limpet

chiton large limpet

turban shell striped periwinkle

chiton large limpet

Predators

mussel borer

predatory snail

predatory snail mussel borer oyster catcher (bird)

starfish

(a) In the space below, draw a possible food web for the Mid Tide Zone. (3 marks)


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A typical rock platform exposed at low tide

(b) Outline a possible reason why there are more species of producers in this ecosystem than any other group of organisms and explain why the producers are more abundant. (2 marks)

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(c) Draw a labelled Biomass Pyramid for this ecosystem. (2 marks)

(d) Zooplankton has not been included in this table. Zooplankton provide a vital link in marine food chains by consuming phytoplankton.

State the trophic level of zooplankton ....................................................... (1 mark)

(e) This food-web does not include seagulls and small crabs which eat the remains of dead organisms. State the niche that either of these two organisms occupy in a rock platform ecosystem. (1 mark)

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Question 8

In 1970 James Lovelock proposed the Gaia Hypothesis that the Earth is itself a living organism. Central to this idea is the notion that Earth’s resources are finite; that all its systems are interconnected and that humans are very dependent upon natural systems for their survival.

(a) Explain whether an organism is an open or closed system. (2 marks)

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(b) Describe the extent to which planet Earth can be compared to an organism as an open or closed system as proposed in the Gaia Hypothesis. (2 marks)

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(c) Outline how the First Law of Thermodynamics applies to the energy flowing through ecosystems on planet Earth. (2 marks)

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(d) Lovelock realised that the Earth’s resources are finite, and hence the need for recycling. On Earth, decomposers do the recycling in natural systems.

Comment on whether recycling of nutrients in the environment is an example of a positive or negative feedback situation. (2 marks)

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Question 9

Over the past twenty years the number of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) has increased in the grassland and woodland areas of Tasmania. These areas have plenty of dead and dying trees that provide nest hollows, as well as paddocks that provide grass seeds for food. The extension of the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo’s range and increase in population may be a result of global warming.

(a) Outline how one abiotic and two biotic factors, may have resulted in the increase of the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo’s population. (3 marks)

abiotic factor: .................................................................................................................

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biotic factor 1: ................................................................................................................

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biotic factor 2: ................................................................................................................

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Sulphur Crested Cockatoo



(b) On the axes below draw and label a graph of the likely population of the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo over the last 20 years and then into the future as the population reaches carrying capacity. (3 marks)

(c) State the term used to describe the shape of your graph. (1 mark)

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(d) Recently the number of raptors (birds of prey) such as eagles, hawks and falcons has also increased. Explain why this is seen as a good indicator of healthy ecosystems. (2 marks)

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Question 10

The dominant tree in Tasmanian temperate rainforests is the Myrtle Beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii). Beech trees first appeared on the Southern continent of Gondwana about 35 million years ago. Since then continental drift has separated Australia and Antarctica with Australia moving north to more tropical climates. Fossils of Nothofagus trees have been found in Antarctica and at other locations.

Over time, the leaf size of Nothofagus Beech trees has decreased as shown in the diagram below. Scientists believe that the trees of the past, with larger leaves, were a different species.

About 33 million years ago 20 million years ago 1 million years ago Present day (a) State the name given to the process by which species change over long periods of

time. (1 mark)

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(b) Suggest a reason why the size of Nothofagus leaves has reduced over time. (2 marks)

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2 cm

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The map below shows the current distribution of Nothofagus Beech trees in Australia.

Mt Warning area Dorrigo Plateau Barrington Tops Gippsland Mountains Tasmania

(c) Suggest one abiotic factor that could account for the distribution of Nothofagus Beech

trees as shown on the map and explain how it influences this distribution. (2 marks)

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Question 11

The diagram below shows a simplified representation of part of the Carbon Cycle.

(a) Give the names of the process shown by the arrows labelled. (1 mark)

A ............................................. B ..............................................

(b) Explain why there is no arrow at point C, leading from decomposers to fossil fuels. (2 marks)

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There are several arrows missing from this diagram.

(c) On the diagram, add in one arrow, labelled with the process it represents. (1 mark)

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carbon dioxide in the air

plants animals

dead plant and animal material (detritus)

scavengers and detritivores decomposers fossil fuels

A B

C

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Criterion 6 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of changes to ecosystems, locally and globally.




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Question 12

Severe bushfires affected large areas of Tasmania’s west coast during January 2016. These fires were attributed to an exceptionally dry period over the preceding winter and spring, as well as an increase in the number of lightning strikes preceding thunderstorms.

Some commentators described these events as ‘just a part of the natural cycle’ and others described them as ‘the effect of human activity’.

(a) Explain the extent to which the fires could be attributed to:

(i) A natural cause (2 marks)

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(ii) Human influence (2 marks)

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(b) As a result of these fires, a botanist made the comment that:

‘We will not see the return of rainforests to these areas in our lifetime.’

Briefly explain this quote with reference to the process by which rainforests are established in Tasmania including the time periods involved. (4 marks)

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Question 13

Estuaries at the mouths of rivers, like the one pictured opposite, support their own unique ecosystems. These ecosystems are characterised by the transition from fresh water in the riverine ecosystem to the saltwater conditions in a marine environment.

(a) For each of the stated time periods below, describe one change that is likely to occur in

an estuary. (4 marks)

(i) diurnally

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(ii) seasonally

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(iii) on an irregular time frame

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(iv) recently as a result of human activity

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A typical estuary at the mouth of a river flowing into the ocean in the far distance



(b) Outline an event that is likely to cause a large change in estuarine salinity. (2 marks)

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(c) Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS), is a viral disease, that occurs when the water temperature is above 16oC. Recently, POMS has devastated the Tasmanian oyster growing industry. Describe how an environmental change is likely to have promoted the outbreak of the POMS virus in Tasmania. (2 marks) ........................................................................................................................................

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Question 14

The Long-spined Sea Urchin (Diadema antillarum) is native to waters on the southern Australian mainland, although recently it has been found in Tasmanian waters. In the locations where the sea urchin has been discovered, the rocks that form the sea-bed have been stripped bare of algae (kelp and other seaweeds) and almost no other species are present. Some companies have started harvesting sea urchins for international consumers.

(a) State a term used to describe an ecosystem where there are a large number of species present. (1 mark)

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(b) Explain why the recent appearance of the Long-spined Sea Urchin in Tasmanian waters is considered bad for the environment. (2 marks)

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(c) Suggest one reason why introduced species become rapidly established in new areas. (1 mark)

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The large population of sea urchins have stripped this rock outcrop of all algae.



Tasmania has a number of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are effectively underwater national parks.

(d) State why it is important to establish Marine Protected Areas at different locations around the state. (2 marks)

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About thirty years ago a similar outbreak of a marine pest, the Northern Pacific Seastar (Asterias amurensis), was detected in Tasmanian waters. This outbreak was attributed to ballast water in woodchip export ships from Japan. Northern Pacific Seastars are now widespread throughout Tasmanian waters and their population is difficult to control.

(e) Given that the population of the Northern Pacific Seastar in Tasmania started with just a few individuals, comment on the likely genetic diversity of the population. (1 mark)

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(f) Manual control by scuba divers has been used to control both the Northern Pacific Seastar and the Long-spined Sea Urchin. Suggest a reason why it is more likely that divers will be able to control the more recent rise in sea urchin populations than they have been, over past decades, with the seastar population. (2 marks)

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(g) Suggest another method for controlling either the Long-spined Sea Urchin or the Northern Pacific Seastar. (1 mark)

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Question 15 For centuries sailors in the Atlantic Ocean have known about the existence of The Gulf Stream, a current of warm water that flows from the tropics towards Europe. This current of warm water sinks in the North Atlantic Ocean and flows back towards the equator along the sea floor. These currents form part of the Global Oceanic Circulation System, a simplified diagram of which is shown.

The Global Oceanic Circulation System

(a) Explain what is meant by the label ‘Sea to Air Heat Transfer’ shown over Europe in the diagram. (1 mark)

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(b) With global warming there is a concern that the Greenland Ice Sheet will melt and this may mean that the oceanic circulation in the Atlantic Ocean will change. Predict the likely impact on Europe if the Gulf Stream ceases to flow when the Global Oceanic Circulation System is disturbed. (1 mark)

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GREENLAND



In the last ten years climate scientists and oceanographers have made great advances in our understanding of the interaction between the atmosphere and the oceans. Oceans are important because they store heat and carbon dioxide.

(c) Name the effect of an increased amount of carbon dioxide dissolving into the oceans. (1 mark)

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(d) Outline the likely consequence of this process for marine life such as corals, shellfish (oysters and mussels) and crustaceans (prawns and crayfish). (2 marks)

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Criterion 7 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how humans depend and impact on ecosystems.




Section Total: /34


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Question 16

The first settlement in Tasmania was at Risdon Cove on Hobart’s eastern shore but the settlement could not obtain sufficient freshwater for its needs. Eventually the colonialists moved to the current site of Hobart where water from Hobart Rivulet was plentiful. As the settlement grew it followed the rivulet up towards its source on Mt Wellington. The riverbanks were the site of residences, an abattoir (meatworks) and even a tannery making leather. As a result the water supply became increasingly more polluted until the only source of fresh water for Cascade Brewery was far upstream, at its present site in South Hobart.

Outline the extent to which the utilisation of Hobart Rivulet represented a Tragedy of the Commons. (4 marks)

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Cascade Brewery South Hobart with Mt Wellington behind


Question 17

A concerned Environmental Science student examined her impact on the planet by calculating her Ecological Footprint. On the internet she found a number of websites that gave a range of calculated values.

(a) List four main factors that are included in calculating an Ecological Footprint. (2 marks)

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(b) Explain why there is likely to be a variation between the values calculated on different websites. (2 marks)

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(c) The student averaged the values she calculated and this gave her a figure of 10.5 global hectares. Explain what is meant by the term ‘global hectares’. (1 mark)

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(d) Given that the average Australian ecological footprint is 6.25 global hectares, outline one way the student could reduce her carbon footprint. (2 marks)

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Question 18

Recently, a social commentator made the following statement:

‘The Stone Age did not end because there was a shortage of stone. The Stone Age ended because humans developed better technologies that produced bronze and iron.’

Currently we live in what has been described as the ‘Petrochemical Age’. It is quite likely that soon we will switch to other technologies but this will not be because of a shortage of petroleum.

(a) Describe two technologies that are replacing petroleum. (2 marks)

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(b) Suggest two reasons why these new technologies are preferable to burning petroleum. (2 marks)

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Question 19

One of the major consequences of global warming will be an increase in the range of the Anopheles mosquito that carries the disease malaria. It is estimated that at least a quarter of the world’s population will be affected. In the past, malaria mosquitos have been controlled using insect sprays containing DDT. As a result of this activity a number of environmental disasters have been recorded. In one study the DDT killed the mosquitos but it also killed geckos (small lizards) that fed on the mosquitos but surprisingly not the rats that ate the geckos, although it did kill the cats that ate the rats. (a) Outline the process that led to the death of the geckos and the cats. (3 marks)

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(b) State two properties of DDT that make it such an unsuitable poison for use in this situation. (2 marks) ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................

(c) Using DDT as an example, describe the difference between a pollutant and a contaminant. (2 marks) ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................

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(d) Suggest a reason why a plant product called pyrethrum is a more suitable poison for

controlling mosquitos. (1 mark) ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................

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Question 20

Explain the extent to which Ecosystem Services can be defined as those items of Natural Capital that can be converted to Economic Capital. Support your answer with examples. (4 marks)

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Question 21

‘Human food production depends upon managing ecosystems rather than replacing them.’

The fishing industry relies upon both wild fisheries and aquaculture.

(a) Give one reason why aquaculture has become of greater significance in the last 20 years. (1 mark)

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(b) Outline the important reasons why it is necessary to manage the wild fisheries if they are to continue to contribute to human food production. (3 marks)

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(c) Outline one method of managing wild fisheries. (1 mark)

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(d) Describe one environmental consideration in the management of fish farms. (2 marks)

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(ESS315114)










Criterion 8 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of principles for the ecologically sustainable management of the environment.




Section Total: /33


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Question 22

Forestry has been an important industry throughout Tasmania’s history. Recently a combination of factors has seen the industry collapse economically. Some of the factors contributing to the downturn in the forest industry include competition from overseas suppliers leading to an oversupply of materials, public opposition and the high cost of production as a result of exchange rates.

In a state like Tasmania, forestry should be a sustainable industry.

With respect to each of the Sustainability Principles, set out below, briefly outline a consideration that needs to be taken by the forest industries, if logging in Tasmania is to be carried out sustainably into the future. (4 marks)

(i) Intergenerational Equity

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(ii) Intragenerational Equity

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(iii) Interspecific (between species) Equity

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(iv) Ecological Integrity

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Question 23

‘Environmental Sustainability will only be achieved where there is economic sustainability.’

(a) Explain this quote in relation to the economies of More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs) and Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs). (4 marks)

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Recently, a criticism of the Australian economy has been the increasing reliance on mining (extraction) and export of coal and iron ore. This has prompted commentators to quote that:

‘Australia is just the world’s quarry.’

(b) Comment on the sustainability of extractive industries like mining into the future. (4 marks)

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Question 24

‘We did not inherit this planet from our ancestors, we are borrowing it from our children.’

(a) (i) State the main ethical principle implied in the quote above. (1 mark) ...............................................................................................................................

(ii) Outline sustainable strategies that could be used to achieve the principle stated in (i) above. (4 marks)

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(b) There are two approaches to ensuring planetary sustainability: educational and economic. The real value of education may be that it creates a more informed consumer.

Outline a situation where an educated consumer can have economic influence to achieve a more sustainable outcome. (2 marks)

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Question 25

Snow skiing has been practised on Ben Lomond in Tasmania’s north-east for many years. Over this time period the number of ski lodges and ski lifts has gradually increased. A developer wanting to increase the popularity of skiing proposed an upgrade of the ski lifts on the mountain from T-bars that only carry two people to chairlifts that would carry many more people. The whole resort area is included in Ben Lomond National Park and so the development must also comply with the conditions of the Management Plan.

Before any development can take place an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be prepared.

(a) State who prepares the EIA. (1 mark)

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(b) Outline how an EIA differs from a management plan. (2 marks)

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(c) Predict three conditions that are likely to be prescribed in the Ben Lomond National Park Management Plan if the upgrade of the ski lifts is to occur. (3 marks) ........................................................................................................................................

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(d) State the main Sustainability Principle that National Parks are designed to address. (1 mark)

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Question 26

Many environmental problems are a result of short-term economic decisions where the environmental impact of a development was not factored into the cost.

(a) State the term used to describe these ‘hidden costs’ and give one example. (1 mark)

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Green Economics attempts to rectify this situation by factoring in these costs. This is termed ‘Triple Bottom Line Analysis’ where developments must satisfy economic, environmental and social criteria before they can be approved by government.

A developer has proposed a new golf course behind the sand dunes at Seven Mile Beach southeast of Hobart.

Proposed golf-course site


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(b) For each of the categories listed below, describe one consideration for this project. Give a reason why each factor must be considered. (6 marks) (i) economic

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(ii) environmental

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(iii) social

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Documents

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE and SOCIETY...nests of Swift Parrots forcing out the Swift Parrot adults and often consuming the eggs or chicks. Complete the table, stating the name of the relationships