Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2025

First exams 2027

Antarctic Ecosystem (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Geography): Exam Questions

Exam code: 2217

1 hour16 questions
1a
1 mark

Figure 3.1 shows four climatic regions.

World map showing climatic regions: A (dotted), B (dark), C (striped), D (light). Includes various global zones and a key, latitude lines marked.
Figure 3.1

Name the continent marked X in Figure 3.1.

1b
2 marks

Zone D on Figure 3.1 has an equatorial climate. Describe the distribution of the regions with an equatorial climate.

2
1 mark

State one reason why Antarctica is described as a polar desert.

3
1 mark

Name the ocean that surrounds Antarctica.

4
2 marks

Identify two key abiotic factors that limit life in Antarctica.

5
2 marks

Give two ways that fauna have adapted to survive Antarctica’s cold climate.

6
3 marks

Describe how tourism can threaten Antarctica’s ecosystem.

1
4 marks

Explain why temperatures are low in Antarctica.

2
4 marks

Explain how climate change poses a threat to Antarctica’s ecosystem.

3
4 marks

Describe the adaptations of plants that enable them to survive in Antarctica.

4
4 marks

Explain why krill are considered a keystone species in the Antarctic ecosystem.

5
4 marks

Explain how international agreements help protect Antarctica’s ecosystem.

1
7 marks

Explain why many people are concerned about the destruction of the Antarctic ecosystem. Refer to examples in your answer.

2
7 marks

Explain how abiotic factors influence the distribution of organisms in Antarctica.

3
7 marks

Explain why many people are concerned about overfishing in Antarctic waters.

4
7 marks

Explain the global significance of melting Antarctic ice.

5
7 marks

Explain how the Antarctic ecosystem is managed to ensure sustainability.