Pearson Edexcel GCSE Geography A (1GA0) · Spec 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.6 and 3.7
Global and UK ecosystems, and deciduous woodlands
Read the notes, then try the questions. Each one is marked the moment you press Check, and shows the right answer and why.
Key ideas
- Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal species in an area. A forest can be dense and still have low biodiversity.
- Biomes are shaped by climate. Most hot deserts lie close to 30 degrees north and south, where air sinks to form high pressure and there is little rain.
- The UK has land ecosystems such as woodland, moorland and lowland heath, and marine ecosystems. Trawling that drags nets across the sea bed damages marine ecosystems.
- In a deciduous woodland, leaves fall to the litter. Decomposers break the litter down and roots take up the nutrients from the soil.
- Woodlands give goods (such as timber and firewood) and services (such as carbon storage, habitat, recreation and flood interception). Threats include development, pests and diseases, and climate change.
Key terms
- Biodiversity
- The variety of plant and animal species in an area.
- Biome
- A large ecosystem with a similar climate, soil, plants and animals.
- Decomposer
- An organism, such as a fungus or worm, that breaks down dead material.
- Deciduous
- Trees that lose their leaves in autumn.
- Ecosystem service
- A benefit people get from an ecosystem, such as carbon storage.
Common mistakes
- Repeating the example in the question. If it names moorland, 'name one other' needs something different, such as heath or woodland.
- Giving a deforestation example for a UK marine ecosystem. Marine harm comes from overfishing, drag nets, sewage, litter and shipping.
- Saying nutrients go straight from fallen leaves to the soil. The litter is broken down by decomposers first.
Exam tip
Section C is compulsory. A 3-mark item on a named woodland region wants specific detail for that place, not a general answer. Use a deciduous woodland region, not a rainforest.
Free practice questions
8 questions, 10 marks. Answer, then press Check. The marking guide explains how the marks are worked out. Nothing is saved.
- Question 1 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which statement describes how nutrients from fallen leaves reach the trees in deciduous woodland?
- Question 2 · Choose more than one[2 marks]
Which TWO are adaptations that help animals in a deciduous woodland to survive the winter?
Choose 2.
- Question 3 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which of these is a service provided by deciduous woodland?
- Question 4 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which statement defines biodiversity?
- Question 5 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which statement best explains why most hot deserts lie close to 30 degrees north and south of the Equator?
- Question 6 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Moorland is one of the UK's main land ecosystems. Which of these is ONE OTHER UK land ecosystem?
- Question 7 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which of these is a human activity that degrades the UK's marine ecosystems?
- Question 8 · Choose more than one[2 marks]
Which TWO describe the climate of a tropical rainforest?
Choose 2.