State one advantage of this in situ conservation method.

Suggest one reason for leaving natural corridors between different natural reserves.

State what a high value of Simpson’s reciprocal index of diversity suggests about an ecosystem.

Explain how the shape and size of a protected area may influence its success in protecting the organisms and ecosystems within it.

organisms remain in their own habitat
OR
protects a large number of organisms/species/habitats simultaneously
OR
protects natural interactions within the community
OR
«corridors» facilitates natural processes of evolution/adaptation ✔

Mark only the first answer if many provided.

a. increases edge effect and thus biodiversity
OR
maintains genetic diversity
OR
prevent the negative effects of inbreeding ✔

b. also help facilitate the re-establishment of populations after catastrophic events ✔ Accept named catastrophic events e.g fires, diseases, etc.

c. increases availability of food resources ✔

Mark only the first answer if many provided.

a. stable/balanced ecosystem
OR
high species richness/evenness ✔

b. ecosystem not under stress ✔

c. ancient ecosystem
OR
absence of changes ✔

Accept final stage of succession, climax community.

a. size and shape determine the length of perimeter/edge
OR
smaller or irregular shapes have «relative» greater «perimeter and» edge than larger/round ✔ OWTTE

b. perimeter determines importance of edge effect
OR
edge effect is the result of interaction between adjacent ecosystems
OR
edge effect results in abrupt change of habitats ✔

c. greater edge effect results in increased biodiversity
OR
greater edge effect leave organism exposed «to abiotic factors or predators»
OR
greater edge effect allows for the influx of new species/predators ✔ Accept vice versa for smaller edge. Accept greater variety of resources or more ecological niches for biodiversity.

d. large areas can conserve a greater number of habitats
OR
larger areas give more protection against human interference/influence/pollution ✔ Accept vice versa for smaller areas. Accept greater variety of resources or more ecological niches for habitats.

e. large areas make it easier for poachers to go undetected.
OR
smaller areas may have too few resources for long-term survival ✔

f. corridors promote movement between habitats /genetic variation
OR
smaller areas connected by corridors have greater edge effect than those without corridors ✔