Rank the three countries with the largest areas of rainforest from highest to lowest.

Referring to the data in the table, describe the trend in rainforest loss between the 1990s and 2000s.

Explain three reasons why it is important to maintain the biodiversity of tropical rainforests.

DRC > Gabon > Congo [2]

This is the only acceptable answer.

In general, the rate of loss increased in almost all countries between the two time periods [1].

Each of the following statements merits an additional [1], up to a maximum of [2]:

• Equatorial Guinea reduction to zero
• Gabon reduced rate by 0.10
• the Democratic Republic of the Congo has increased the most – more than doubled.

There must be some reference to data for full marks.

For each reason, award [1] for identifying and/or describing a valid reason, and [1] for explaining its importance in terms of biodiversity.

For example: It is good for ecotourism [1] because of a wide variety of species for visitors to see [1].

Other possible reasons include:

• ecosystem services (soil, water, habitats)
• water filtration/nutrient recycling/climate amelioration
• biological resources (food, medicine, genetic stock, breeding stock)
• aesthetic value (tourism, appreciation of need to conserve)
• ethical value (role/responsibility of people in preserving planetary ecosystem and preventing loss of endemic species of flora and fauna)
• cultural benefits (recreation/cultural integrity of indigenous groups).

The second mark should not be awarded for generic answers that do not link clearly to biodiversity.