Ecosystems in the British Isles (AQA A Level Geography): Exam Questions

Figure 12a shows a simplified diagram of vegetation succession in moorland environments in the UK.

Figure 12b shows a moorland landscape in the UK.

Figure 12a

Vegetation succession in moorland environments in the UK

Figure 12b

Moorland landscape in the UK

Using Figure 12a, Figure 12b and your own knowledge, assess the potential role of human activity as an arresting factor shaping this landscape.

Explain how human activity has influenced succession in one ecosystem in the British Isles.

Figure 12 is in the insert. Figure 12 shows information about the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve (NNR) in north-west England.

Using Figure 12 and your own knowledge, assess the challenges in managing this local scale ecosystem.

Study Figure 1, which shows how soil and vegetation change across the seral stages of a lithosere.

Figure 1: Soil and vegetation characteristics at five seral stages of a lithosere

Analyse the data shown in Figure 1.

Assess the importance of soil development in driving vegetation succession towards a climatic climax.

With reference to one plagioclimax in the British Isles, assess the factors affecting change and development in this ecosystem.

Assess the view that human activity, rather than physical factors, is the main control on the development of ecosystems in the British Isles.

'Temperate deciduous woodland is the natural climatic climax of the British Isles.'

How far do you agree with this statement?