| Date | May 2018 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 18M.1.SL.TZ0.7 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | 7 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The resource booklet provides information on Madagascar. Use the resource booklet and your own studies to answer the following.
Explain why Madagascar has a high number of endemic species.
Markscheme
This question requires “Resource Booklet - May 2018 SL paper 1”, available under the "your tests" tab > supplemental materials.
island is too far from the mainland for exchange of genetic information / location of island results in limited migration of species from/to other areas;
geographical isolation has caused speciation / species have developed in isolation/independently / species have adapted/evolved to the conditions on the island;
limited resources on the island required specialization to reduce competition;
climate has been stable for a long time, allowing for specialization of organisms;
there are a diverse range of biomes/ecosystems (providing a diverse range of habitats/niches) / variation in altitude/elevation provides a range of habitats/niches;
tropical rainforests provide many different niches/have high biodiversity;
high biodiversity is associated with larger island size (The Theory of Island Biogeography).
Examiners report
Responses varied widely for this question with many candidates achieving at least one mark. However, few candidates were able to correctly identify 3 factors that led to the high level of endemic species in Madagascar. Many students referred to isolation but did not link this to speciation.
