| Date | May 2017 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 17M.1.SL.TZ0.4 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Justify | Question number | 4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Figure 4: Photographs showing examples of species found in Brazil
With reference to the images in the resource booklet, Figure 4, justify your choice of one animal as the most suitable to promote conservation.
Markscheme
an ideal flagship species (has a wide appeal to the public);
conserving this species will (result in habitat protection that will) also protect other species;
eg Golden tamarin:
potential attraction for eco-tourism;
as a primate it is closely related to humans/easy for humans to empathize with;
it has a human-like face / it is cute/cuddly/aesthetically attractive;
not found anywhere else / unique to Brazil (unlike other three species);
highly suitable for publicity/fund raising (eg posters/soft toys);
eg Brazilian merganser:
is critically endangered (most under threat and therefore needs conservation measures more quickly than the other organisms);
may attract many tourists/bird watchers/ornithologists;
appearance may be considered aesthetically attractive;
eg Broad-snouted caiman:
potential attraction for eco-tourism;
it is a predator and its loss could negatively impact other/keystone species;
eg Giant metallic ceiba borer:
may be a keystone species / its loss could impact on other species;
IUCN Red List status has not been assessed and therefore we should be cautious and ensure that it is not lost;
it is shiny which could be considered aesthetically attractive;
Award [0] if any plant species is used, or if an animal not listed above is used as an example.
Accept any reasonable responses.
[2 max]
Examiners report
Most candidates performed reasonably well on this question achieving one or two marks. The most popular answer was Golden tamarin as they are aesthetically attractive or cute. Candidates that chose an alternative animal often struggled to provide a second reason. Unfortunately, a large number of candidates selected a plant and hence were awarded no marks.
