Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2025

First exams 2027

Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Geography): Exam Questions

Exam code: 2217

1 hour18 questions
1
2 marks

Figure 3.1 shows four climatic regions

World map showing climatic regions with areas marked A (striped), B (dark grey), C (hatched), and D (light grey). Includes latitudinal lines.

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

2
3 marks

Figure 3.2 is a climate graph of an equatorial climate.

Bar chart displaying monthly average temperatures and precipitation; temperatures peak in March and April, while precipitation varies slightly year-round.

Use Figure 3.2 to describe the main features of the equatorial climate. Refer to data in your answer.

3
3 marks

Figure 3.3 shows the reasons for the deforestation of tropical rainforests in Africa and South America.

Deforestation chart: Africa vs South America. For Africa: 50% subsistence, 30% commercial, 20% other. For South America: 20% subsistence, 60% commercial, 20% other.

Use Figure 3.3 to compare the percentage of deforestation in Africa and South America for both types of agriculture. Refer to data in your answer.

4
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1 mark

Study Fig 1, which shows climate data for an area of tropical rainforest

 

 

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average monthly temperatures (°C)

26

27

28

28

29

28

28

28

27

27

27

27

Total monthly rainfall (mm)

229

175

196

194

173

173

168

198

180

212

257

258

Calculate the average temperature 

5
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1 mark

Study Fig. 4.1, which shows information about hot deserts and tropical rainforests.

 

Latitude

Highest monthly average temperature

Lowest monthly average temperature

Annual rainfall

Atmospheric pressure

Hot deserts

 

35 °C

18 °C

Less than 250 mm

High

Tropical rainforests

 

30 °C

27 °C

Over 2000 mm

Low

Fig. 4.1

(i)

Using Fig. 4.1, calculate the annual average temperature range in tropical rainforests. ............................. °C

6
3 marks

Study Fig. 4.2, which shows information about deforestation of tropical rainforests in South America and South East Asia between 1950 and 2010.

q4b-0460_w20_qp_13

Using Fig. 4.2, compare the change in annual deforestation in South America and South East Asia.

7a
1 mark

Study Fig. 4.1, which is a diagram showing information about a tropical rainforest ecosystem in an area of equatorial climate.

qp-4a-0460-w19-qp-11

State the maximum height of the emergents shown in Fig. 4.1.

.................. metres

7b
2 marks

Identify from Fig. 4.1, one example of:

–    wildlife which lives in the canopy

–    wildlife which lives in the ground cover.

8
3 marks

Study Fig. 4.2, a map of the Amazon Basin, an area of tropical rainforest.

qp-4b-0460-w19-qp-11

Using Fig. 4.2 only, describe the distribution of the areas where deforestation has taken place in the Amazon Basin.

1
5 marks

Study Table 3.1, which shows three plans which the government of a country in Africa is considering to sustainably manage the tropical rainforest.

Table 3.1 details plans for rainforest development: Plan A involves restricted areas and replanting; Plan B focuses on conservation; Plan C supports ecotourism.

Choose the plan that you think will be the most effective in sustainably managing the tropical rainforest. Justify your decision.

2
4 marks

Study Fig 1, which shows vegetation in the rainforest. 

Explain how vegetation in the Tropical Rainforest has adapted to the climate

q1-2-5-paper-2-medium-cie-igcse-geography-tqs

Fig 1 - Tropical rainforest 

3
4 marks

Explain why temperature and rainfall are so high in the tropical rainforest.

4
4 marks

Explain how deforestation poses an environmental threat to the tropical rainforest ecosystem.

5
4 marks

Explain how sustainable management strategies can help protect the tropical rainforest ecosystem from environmental threats.

1
7 marks

For a named area you have studied, explain the threats to the tropical rainforest.

2
7 marks

For a named area you have studied, explain the impacts of deforestation on the tropical rainforest.

3
7 marks

For a named area you have studied, explain how national strategies have been used to manage the tropical rainforest.

4
7 marks

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

5
7 marks

Assess the success of management strategies used to protect tropical rainforest ecosystems. Refer to examples in your answer.