Q1.

Study the graph below which is a typical climate graph for one global ecosystem.

(a) Which global ecosystem is most likely to have the temperature and precipitation
pattern shown in the graph above.

Shade one circle only.

A temperate deciduous forest

B tundra

C hot desert

D savanna
(1)

(b) State the minimum temperature shown in the graph above.

Shade one circle only.

Page 1 of 25
 A –26°C

B –28°C

C –30°C

D –32°C
(1)
(Total 2 marks)

Q2.
Outline one reason for the high levels of biodiversity in tropical rainforests.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 2 marks)

Q3.
Study the diagram showing the different plant layers in a tropical rainforest.

Page 2 of 25
 Complete the diagram above.

Write the correct label in each box.

Choose from the labels below.

Canopy Emergents Forest floor Under canopy

(Total 2 marks)

Q4.
Which one of the following statements describes the climate of a tropical rainforest?

Shade one circle only.

A Mild temperatures (10–18°C), rainfall all year

(approximately 1000 mm)
B High temperatures all year (over 30°C), very dry
(250 mm of rainfall per year)
C High temperatures all year (25–27°C), rainfall in
every month (1800–2000 mm per year)
D Wide range of temperatures (15–30°C),
seasonal rainfall (approximately 750 mm)
(Total 1 mark)

Page 3 of 25
Q5.
Study the photograph showing part of the tropical rainforest in Central Africa.

Describe and explain the features of the vegetation shown in the photograph.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 6 marks)

Q6.

Page 4 of 25
(a) Study the photograph above, of vegetation in a tropical rainforest.

Describe the vegetation in the tropical rainforest area shown in the photograph.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)

(b) Explain how vegetation in tropical rainforests adapts to the climate.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Page 5 of 25
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(4)
(Total 7 marks)

Q7.
(a) Are the following statements about tropical rainforests true or false?

Tick the correct boxes.

True False

Tropical rainforests are located near to the

Equator.

Tropical rainforests are found in South America,

Africa and Australia.

The vegetation has a number of distinct layers.

Leaves are broad and flat.

(4)

(b) Explain why deforestation occurs in tropical rainforests.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(6)

(c) Outline one effect (impact) of tropical rainforest deforestation.

Page 6 of 25
 ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

Q8.
(a) What is tropical rainforest?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) Explain why deforestation occurs in tropical rainforests.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(6)
(Total 8 marks)

Q9.
Study the figure below, a photograph of a tropical rainforest.
Describe the characteristics of the vegetation shown in the picture.

Page 7 of 25
 _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 3 marks)

Q10.
Explain how tropical rainforest vegetation adapts to the climate.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 4 marks)

Q11.
The figure below shows a climate graph for an area of tropical rainforest.

Page 8 of 25
 (i) Complete the figure above.

Use the information below.

Average monthly temperature in December = 26 °C

Rainfall in December = 90 mm
(2)

(ii) Complete the sentences below.

Circle the correct answer in each set of brackets.

The average monthly rainfall is over 250 mm for [2 / 5 / 8] months of the year.

The average monthly temperature is over 25 °C for [6 / 8 / 12] months of the year.

The annual range of temperature is [2 / 12 / 22] °C.

The total annual rainfall is [270 / 2770 / 5770] mm.

(4)
(Total 6 marks)

Q12.
The figure below shows a climate graph for an area of tropical rainforest.

Page 9 of 25
 (i) Complete the figure above.

Use the information below.

Average monthly temperature in December = 26 °C

(1)

(ii) Describe the patterns of rainfall and temperature shown in the figure above.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 4 marks)

Q13.
Explain the relationship between climate and tropical rainforest vegetation.

Page 10 of 25
 Use the figure above and your own knowledge.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 6 marks)

Q14.
Study the figure.

Page 11 of 25
 In which two areas (A, B, C, D and E) are tropical rainforests found?

Tick the two correct boxes.

(Total 2 marks)

Q15.
Study the figure which shows the daily pattern of weather in an area of tropical rainforest.

Page 12 of 25
 The statements below show the daily pattern of weather in an area of tropical rainforest.

Write the correct letter (A, B, C or D) next to each statement.

Statement Letter

Towering black clouds form. Thunderstorms bring

heavy rainfall.
At 9 am, temperatures are as high as 25 °C. The air
near the ground heats up.
More and more hot air rises and cools. It condenses
and forms thick cloud.
The sun is directly overhead and temperatures are
over 30 °C. The hot air rises in convection currents.
(Total 3 marks)

Q16.
The figure below shows the daily pattern of weather in an area of tropical rainforest.

Page 13 of 25
 With the help of the figure, explain the daily pattern of weather in an area of tropical
rainforest.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 3 marks)

Q17.
Describe the structure and characteristics of the vegetation of tropical rainforest.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Page 14 of 25
 _______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 6 marks)

Q18.
Describe the characteristics of the vegetation of tropical rainforest.

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________
(Total 4 marks)

Q19.
Each of the questions (i) – (iii) is followed by five possible answers.
For each question tick the correct answer.

(i) The cutting down of trees in Amazonia is known as

eco-tourism.

deforestation.

leaching.

afforestation.

Page 15 of 25
 the Green Revolution.
(1)

(ii) The climate of Amazonia has

an annual temperature range of 10 °C.

low humidity.

low temperatures.

no seasons.

low annual rainfall.

(1)

(iii) The greenhouse effect is a result of

a decrease in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

the burning of fossil fuels.

global warming.

melting of the polar ice caps.

increased use of renewable energy.

(1)
(Total 3 marks)

Page 16 of 25
Mark schemes

Q1.
The question requires application of knowledge and understanding to the climate graph
shown in the question.

(a) One mark for the correct answer:

B. Tundra

No credit if two or more statements are shaded.

AO3 = 1 mark

(b) One mark for the correct answer:

C. -30° C

No credit if two or more statements are shaded.

AO4 = 1 mark
[2]

Q2.
One mark for each reason or two marks for single developed explanation.

E.g. Rainfall and temperatures are high all year round (1). This encourages rapid growth
of a large number of plants (d) (1)
Because rainforests are located in tropical regions, they receive a lot of sunlight (1), which
is converted to energy by photosynthesis, so there are many plants. (d) (1)
The canopy structure of the rainforest provides many places for plants to grow and
animals to live (1). The canopy offers sources of food, shelter, and hiding places (d) (1)
The rainforest nutrient cycling is rapid in hot, damp conditions on the forest floor (1), so
there is rapid decay of dead plant material and plentiful nutrients easily absorbed by plant
roots (d) (1).

No credit for description of plants or plant adaptations to climate.

AO1 = 2
[2]

Q3.
Three or four correct, 2 marks

One or two correct, 1 mark

AO3 = 2
[2]

Q4.
One mark for the correct answer:

C High temperatures all year (25–27 °C), rainfall in every month

(1800–2000 mm per year).

No credit if two or more statements are shaded.

Page 17 of 25
 AO1 = 1
[1]

Q5.

Level Marks Description

3 5–6 AO3 Applies detailed knowledge of

(Detailed) rainforest vegetation to interpret the
features identified.
AO3 Clearly relates characteristic(s)
shown in the photograph to the climate of
tropical rainforest environments.

2 3–4 AO1 Demonstrates accurate knowledge of

(Clear) the features of vegetation and climate to
support the explanation.
AO4 Makes clear and effective use of the
photograph

1 1–2 AO1 Demonstrates limited knowledge of

(Basic) vegetation and climate in rainforest areas
AO4 Makes limited use of the photograph

0 No relevant content.

Indicative content
• Responses should include description and explanation. There should be clear
evidence that the photograph has been used, e.g. the buttress roots of the trees,
limited undergrowth, straight trunks. No credit for features not observed in the
photograph.
• Due to the high rainfall, leaves often have drip tips which allow the water to be
channelled to the end and fall so the leaf does not break. Leaf stems are also
flexible to allow leaves to move with the sun.
• The bark on the trees is thin and smooth to allow free flow of water and because the
high temperatures mean that there is no need for protection against cold.
• The waxy upper surface of the leaves protects against the heat.
• Some plants, such as lianas, climb up the trees to reach sunlight for photosynthesis,
while others live on branches in the canopy for the same reason i.e. epiphytes.
• Buttress roots support the trees as they grow incredibly tall (over 50 m in some
cases) as there is great competition for sunlight.
• Max level 1 for either description or explanation.
AO1 = 2
AO3 = 2
AO4 = 2
[6]

Q6.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

Page 18 of 25
 (a) Any valid characteristic – likely to relate to leaves are very large / typical of palm tree
/ split into sections from central stem / only near top; trunks are tall / thin / straight /
branchless lower down and buttress roots seem to come from lower sections / go
into the ground where meet it / mean base of tree is very wide.
AO2 = 1
AO3 = 2

(b) Leaves grow at the top of the trees in the canopy area mainly as they need to grow
tall to reach sunlight. This competition means that there are some very tall trees
above the general height – emergents – as they compete for sunlight. Due to the
high amount of rainfall, the leaves have drip tips which allows the water to be
channelled to the end and fall to the ground so that the leaf does not break. The
bark on the trees is also thin and smooth to allow the free flow of water and because
the high temperatures mean there is no need for protection against cold. The waxy /
leathery upper surface of the leaves protects against the heat. Some plants climb up
the trees to reach sunlight for photosynthesis such as lianas, whilst other live on
branches within the canopy for the same reason – epiphytes.
AO1 = 3
AO2 = 1

Level Marks Description

2 3–4 Explanation is clear and sequential – relating

(Clear) characteristic / adaption to the climate.
Statements are developed and linked.

1 1–2 Explanation is partial – begins to relate features to

(Basic) climate.
Statements are separate in a random order.

0 No relevant content.
[7]

Q7.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

(a) 4×1

True False

Tropical rainforests are located near to the

✓
Equator

Tropical rainforests are found in South

✓
America, Africa and Australia

The vegetation has a number of distinct

✓
layers.

Leaves are broad and flat. ✓

Page 19 of 25
 AO1 – 4
4

(b) Deforestation occurs for a variety of reasons. The specification refers to

farming – slash and burn and commercial ranching, logging, road building,
mineral extraction and population pressure. There is a need to describe what
one or more of these entails and to link clearly to how it / they result in the
forest being chopped down. For example the fact that more people demand
more food so land is cleared for farming; the minerals are beneath the forest
and as resources are near the surface, the forest is cleared to allow it to be
‘quarried’.

Level 1 (Basic) (1 – 4 marks)

Simple statements. Statements are generalised and separate.
Explanation is implicit.
Deforestation occurs because there are minerals in rainforest areas. In some
places hydroelectric power stations and reservoirs are made. Trees are
chopped down to make way for cattle and for people to grow food.

Level 2 (Clear) (5 – 6 marks)

Develops points. Linked statements – the reason is related to the need to
chop trees down. Explanation is clear.
Trees are cleared for many reasons. Commercial ranching is an important
reason for chopping trees down in Amazonia. The trees make it look as if the
soil is fertile and that grass will grow well, but once the trees are cleared to
make way for large numbers of cattle, the soil loses its fertility. This means that
the ranchers, who are interested in making money from their cattle, simply
clear yet more of the forest and turn the cattle on to other areas. In addition to
this, building roads means that trees have to be chopped down to allow
construction. This then makes areas accessible and encourages further
deforestation e.g. corridors are developed along railways in Amazonia
between Sao Luis and Maraba where there are saw mills so that the products
can be taken to be sold.
AO1 – 3
AO2 – 3
6

(c) Any valid effect e.g. soil is eroded as there is no protection from the trees.
Wildlife habitat is destroyed leading to a reduction in number and diversity of
species.

1x (1 + 1) 1 for basic statement+1 for elaboration

AO1 – 1
AO2 – 1
2
[12]

Q8.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

(a) Any valid statement about tropical rainforest. Found around the Equator – up
to about 20 degrees N and S / 1 mark for location or climate; 1 mark for
vegetation. It consists of a very diverse range of plants, mainly deciduous
trees and is characterised by a number of layers, such as the canopy, under-

Page 20 of 25
 canopy and shrub layer. The tallest trees are emergent.
2 × 1 for basic statements; 1 + 1 for a statement that is elaborated.
AO1 – 2
2

(b) Deforestation occurs for a variety of reasons. The specification refers to

farming – slash and burn and commercial ranching, logging, road building,
mineral extraction and population pressure. There is a need to describe what
one or more of these entails and to link clearly to how it / they result in forest
being chopped down. For example the fact that more people demand more
food so land is cleared for farming; the minerals are beneath the forest and as
resources are near the surface, the forest is cleared to allow it to be ‘quarried’.

Level 1 (Basic) (1 – 4 marks)

Simple statements. Statements are generalised and separate. Explanation is
implicit.
Deforestation occurs because there are minerals in rainforest areas. In some
places hydroelectric power stations and reservoirs are made. Trees are
chopped down to make way for cattle and for people to grow food.

Level 2 (Clear) (5 – 6 marks)

Develops points. Linked statements – the reason is related to the need to
chop trees down.
Explanation is clear.
Trees are cleared for many reasons. Commercial ranching is an important
reason for chopping trees down in Amazonia. The trees make it look as if the
soil is fertile and that grass will grow well, but once the trees are cleared to
make way for large numbers of cattle, the soil loses its fertility. This means that
the ranchers, who are interested in making money from their cattle, simply
clear yet more of the forest and turn the cattle on to other areas. In addition to
this, building roads means that trees have to be chopped down to allow
construction. This then makes areas accessible and encourages further
deforestation e.g. corridors are developed along railways in the Amazonia
between Sao Luis and Maraba where there are saw mills so that the products
can be taken to be sold.
AO1 – 3
AO2 – 3
6
[8]

Q9.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

Any valid point from photograph – a variety of species is present as shown by the
different coloured and shaped leaves; the vegetation is dense – the leaves and
branches giving complete cover in what is the canopy; some trees are taller – these
are emergents such as the palm like tree in the foreground; different layers of
vegetation.
3×1
AO2 – 1
AO3 – 2
[3]

Page 21 of 25
Q10.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

Likely to explain the presence of the canopy and emergents as the trees fight to get
to the sunlight to allow photosynthesis to take place. There may be reference to
specific features such as lianas that climb the trees to reach the light, epiphytes that
live on the trees to access the light; buttress roots which seek to stabilise the trees
as their roots are shallow and they grow so tall. Drip tip leaves that are designed to
shed the large amount of rain as is the smooth bark.

Level 1 (Basic) (1–2 marks)

Simple statements.
Statements are generalised and separate.
May describe climate and/or adaptations.
Explanation is tentative, partial understanding.
Climate is very hot and wet. Trees grow very tall. Water drips off pointed leaves.

Level 2 (Clear) (3–4 marks)

Develops points.
Linked statements – may have specific species.
Climate linked to adaptations.
Explanation is clear.
The trees grow very tall as they are trying to reach sunlight and compete with each
other. Epiphytes live on the higher branches so that they can get sunlight.
The leaves on the trees come to a point – known as drip tip, so that the large
amount of rainfall can flow off them easily, without them breaking.
AO1 – 3
AO2 – 1
[4]

Q11.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

(i) 2 × 1 correctly positioned line at 26 degrees C (line does not

have to continue to RH side of graph), correctly positioned
bar at 90mm (top of bar should not touch 100mm line or drop
below 90mm line).
2

(ii) 4x1
5, 12, 2, 2770
4
[6]

Q12.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

Page 22 of 25
 (i) 1 × 1 correctly positioned line at 26°C.
1

(ii) 3×1
Highest rainfall Jan-May (1), up to 450mm or ranges
300-450mm (1).
Lowest rainfall June-Dec(1), range 90-175mm (1)
(85mm). Rainfall varies throughout the year (1) annual
range 90-450mm (360mm) (1).
High annual total (1) or over 2000mm per annum (1).
High/constant temperatures all year round (1) range
26-28°C or 2°C (1), always 26°C or above (1).
Max 2 temp/max 2 rainfall.
Reject ‘the hottest period is Jun/Jul/Aug’ or ‘the hottest
temperature is 28°C’. There must be some reference to
constant/high temperatures throughout the year.
3
[4]

Q13.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

Level 1 Basic (1–4 marks)

Simple statements without development of ideas.
Describes the pattern of climate only. E.g. hot and wet all year
round.
Accept references to ‘like a greenhouse’. Describes the nature of the
vegetation only e.g. plants/trees grow quickly/all year round. Or gives
simple statements which are not linked together e.g. continuous
growing season. Layers develop as trees have to grow rapidly to
reach sunlight. Accept simple adaptations to climate.
Answers must focus on the inter-relationships between
climate/vegetation. Credit responses that explain why there is a
hot/wet climate or the daily pattern of weather at L1 if there is a link to
vegetation.
Knowledge of basic information.
Simple understanding.
Few links; limited detail; uses a limited range of specialist terms.
Limited evidence of sentence structure. Frequent spelling,
punctuation and grammatical errors.

Level 2 Clear (5–6 marks)

Clear explanation of relationships with development of ideas. Clearly
links the pattern of climate (may cite figures) to the vegetation.
E.g. hot and wet all year round which means that plants/trees grow
quickly/all year round to produce luxuriant vegetation. May link the
high daily temperatures to convectional rainfall and give the effects of
this on vegetation i.e. accept clear adaptations to climate e.g. drip tips.
Knowledge of accurate information.
Clear understanding.
Answers have some linkages; occasional detail/exemplar; uses some
specialist terms where appropriate.
[6]

Page 23 of 25
Q14.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

2x1

B, C.
[2]

Q15.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

3x1

D, A, C, B

(4=3 marks, 3=2 marks, 2/1=1 mark).

[3]

Q16.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

3x1

At 9 a.m. temperatures are as high as 25 degrees C. The air near the ground is heated
(1). By mid-day the sun is directly overhead and temperatures are over 30 degrees C. The
hot air rises in convection currents (1). More and more hot air rises and cools. It
condenses and forms thick cloud (1). By mid-afternoon towering black clouds form.

Thunderstorms bring heavy rainfall (1).

[3]

Q17.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

Level marking

Level 1 (1-2 marks)

Basic, e.g. there are tall trees, a canopy, ferns and small
shrubs - may be only types or structure.

Level 2 (3-4 marks)

Page 24 of 25
 Clear achieved by developed points, may still be imbalanced,
e.g. the tallest trees are emergents, then there is a canopy of
trees at about 30 metres high, etc., Mahogany grows.

Level 3 (5-6 marks)

Detailed in structure and types included, e.g. the tallest trees
are emergents about 40 metres tall. Then there is a canopy
of trees at about 30 metres high including trees such as teak
and mahogany. Below the canopy there are smaller trees
and shrubs and a fern layer. The forest floor can be quite
bare unless at a riverbank or clearing. Lianas grow from the
floor to the top of the trees, they are creepers.
[6]

Q18.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

Level 1 (Basic) 1-2 marks

Basic e.g. there are tall trees, a canopy, ferns and small shrubs, buttress roots, bare
ground, mainly hardwoods.

Level 2 (Clear) 3-4 marks

Clear achieved by developed points e.g. the tallest trees are emergents at over 40 metres
tall. There is a canopy of trees at about 30m high, the tallest trees have buttress roots,
mainly hardwoods with examples.
[4]

Q19.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited.

Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that might apply to it.

(i) deforestation
1

(ii) Poor harvests

1

(iii) No seasons
1
[3]

Page 25 of 25