| Date | May 2021 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 21M.1.SL.TZ0.9 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Outline | Question number | 9 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Figure 8(e): Causes of tiger mortality in and near Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve, 1992–2005
[Source: Russia Program, Wildlife Conservation Society.]
Figure 8(f): Increase of logging roads between 1984 (228 km) and 2014 (6278 km) in Primorsky Krai
In 2015, the logging company, the local authority, and an international NGO agreed to dismantle unused logging roads in the area.
[Source: Russia Program, Wildlife Conservation Society.]
With reference to Figures 8(e) and 8(f), outline how the decision to remove logging roads in 2015 may benefit the tiger populations.
Markscheme
habitat will become less fragmented by the roads;
reduced fragmentation may allow access to important resources, e.g. food/water / removal allows for regeneration of tiger habitat through succession;
populations will be less isolated improving gene pool/diversity/resilience;
reduces noise/disturbance/stress/pollution associated with roads/traffic;
reduces mortality through road kill;
makes habitats less accessible to human disturbance/poaching / it could reduce contact between tigers and humans which could result in fewer tigers being killed//poached;
Do not accept ‘habitat size is increased / results in a larger habitat / there is more vegetation for prey’.
Do not accept only ‘population is less accessible’.
Do not accept only ‘poaching is more difficult/harder’ without reason.
Do not accept ‘tigers are better able to hide’.
Examiners report
The majority of candidates achieved at least one mark for this question. Many only gave one rather than the two reasons required. The most popular response was a reduction in roadkill. Few candidates referred to a reduction in habitat fragmentation through removal of the roads.
