| Date | November 2021 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 21N.1.SL.TZ0.2 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
| Command term | Predict | Question number | 2 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Figure 5: Fact file on deer species found in London
[Source: Nilfanion, 2010. Muntjac deer at Dumbleton Hall. [image online] Available at:
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:Muntjac_deer_at_Dumbleton_Hall.jpg Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC
BY-SA 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en [Accessed 22 May 2020]. Source adapted.
Lviatour, 2011. Cervus elaphus Luc Viatour 6. [image online] Available at:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cervus_elaphus_Luc_Viatour_6.jpg Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
(CC BY-SA 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en [Accessed 22 May 2020]. Source
adapted.
Manfred Antranias Zimmer /Pixabay.com, 2018. Striking Fallow Deer Buck, boasting an impressive rack. [online]
Available at: https://pixabay.com/photos/antler-fallow-deer-deer-dama-dama-899123/ [Accessed 13 September
2021].]
Figure 6(a): Population of deer in Richmond Park, 2013–2017
Figure 6(b): Number of deer removed from Richmond Park, 2013–2017
Figure 6(c): Fact file on Richmond Park
Richmond Park is a national nature reserve and Special Area of Conservation.
- Approximately 630 red and fallow deer live permanently in the park.
- There are no natural predators for deer in Richmond Park.
- Deer numbers in the park are managed to maintain a sustainable population.
- Deer meat is sold and any profits are reinvested into caring for the deer.
[Source: The Royal Parks, 2020. Deer in Richmond Park. [online] Available at: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/
richmond-park/richmond-park-attractions/wildlife/deer-in-richmond-park [Accessed 1 September 2020].
Oberst, T., 2019. Untitled. [photograph].]
Using Figure 5, construct an identification key for the deer species found in London.
With reference to Figures 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c), predict how the ecosystem would be affected if the deer population in Richmond Park was not managed.
Markscheme
correct identification of features [2 max] such as:
- antlers: horns with one point/multiple points;
- antlers: palmate/multiprong/branching;
- markings: spots on fur / black markings on face / black markings on tail;
Notes: Do not accept questions relating to bigger/smaller or specific size of deer (which could be dependent on age of deer).
Do not credit suggestion that Reeves muntjac has no antlers.
Do not credit just ‘skin pattern/pattern on body’.
iv. correct format of key; [1 max]
Notes: Accept a dichotomous key with clear yes/no questions and two branches from each question, leading to the correct deer at each end point or clear question statements with “go-to” links.
Mark can be achieved for correct format of key even if inappropriate identification features are chosen.
- deer population will continue to grow/exceed carrying capacity/would lead to overpopulation;
- overgrazing the vegetation / deer would run out of food;
- leading to soil erosion in the park / loss of plant biodiversity / death of trees (due to bark stripping);
- this will lead to starvation/disease and a population crash;
Note: Do not accept only ‘causes instability / causes positive feedback / causes ecosystem to collapse / causes land degradation / competition for food / food hard to get / resources are depleted’.
Examiners report
Most candidates struggled with this question with very few achieving the maximum three marks. Many responses incorrectly used size (of body or antlers), location, breeding rates or diet to differentiate between the deer. A significant number of candidates that did not attempt this question.
Many candidates answered this question well with most recognising that the population of deer would increase resulting in overpopulation. Many responses then connected this to overgrazing. Some responses were too vague stating ‘instability’ or ‘collapse of the ecosystem’ without indication of the actual changes or why.
