Cambridge OCR A Level · Biology A - H420

Populations and sustainability: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Populations and sustainability.

10 questions24 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following is an example of an abiotic factor that could limit the size of a plant population?

Question 2

1 mark

In the management of ecosystems for timber, what is the main advantage of selective felling compared to clear-felling?

Question 3

1 mark

In a managed woodland, foresters practice coppicing to produce a sustainable supply of wood. Which of the following biological principles best explains why coppicing is effective for sustainability?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following describes the difference between preservation and conservation?

Question 5

1 mark

Which of the following describes a density-dependent limiting factor?

Question 6

2 marks

State the term used to describe the maximum population size that a specific environment can support, as determined by limiting factors.

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Question 7

3 marks

In the context of sustainable fishing, explain how the implementation of mesh size regulations for nets helps to maintain fish populations over time.

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Question 8

5 marks

An ecosystem contains a population that has reached its carrying capacity. Explain how a sudden change in an abiotic factor, such as a significant decrease in temperature, would affect the population size and the subsequent role of intraspecific competition.

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Question 9

4 marks

Ecosystems must be managed carefully to balance human needs with the maintenance of biodiversity.

(a) State one economic reason and one ethical reason for the conservation of biological resources. [2]

(b) Modern fishing practices can lead to the depletion of fish stocks. Outline one specific management strategy used to ensure that fishing is sustainable and explain how it prevents over-exploitation. [2]

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Question 10

5 marks

(a) Explain the difference between the terms conservation and preservation in the context of biological resources. [2]

(b) Managing ecosystems for timber production can be done at different scales. Describe how the management techniques differ between small-scale timber production (such as coppicing) and large-scale commercial forestry, and explain how these methods ensure a sustainable supply of wood. [3]

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