DP Environmental Systems and Societies Questionbank

Discuss the effect of hurricanes on the social and ecological development of Dominica.

Figure 3(d) shows a landslide caused by heavy precipitation on a steep slope. Outline one technique that could be used by farmers in Dominica to reduce soil erosion.

With reference to Figures 3(c) and 3(d), outline how Hurricane Maria has reduced Dominica’s food availability.

Runoff from agricultural land can result in excess nutrients entering water bodies. State one management strategy that could control the release of agricultural runoff.

Identify two environmental impacts associated with producing the foods near the base of the recommended consumption pyramid (Figure 1(a)).

Explain how acid deposition falling on a forest may impact a nearby aquatic ecosystem.

Explain how deforestation in the taiga may impact the world’s oceans.

To what extent can the different environmental value systems improve the sustainability of food production?

Explain how the production of cash crops (such as pineapples) may have an environmental impact on soil.

Solid domestic waste may contain non-biodegradable material and toxins that have the potential to reduce the fertility of soils.

Explain how strategies for the management of this waste may help to preserve soil fertility.

Quantitative models are frequently constructed to show the flow of energy and cycling of matter in natural systems.

To what extent can these models be useful in assessing the sustainability of named food production systems?

Outline why leaving arable farmland fallow (unused) between growing seasons could lead to soil degradation.

Discuss strategies that can be used to improve the sustainability of food production systems.

With reference to Figures 6(c), 7(a) and 7(b) explain the problems associated with land restoration in Iceland.

To what extent might Iceland be viewed as a role model for sustainability by other countries?

Explain how organic waste may be an effective fertilizer in terrestrial systems but a source of pollution in aquatic systems.

Explain two examples of soil degradation and the appropriate soil management strategies from a named farming system.

To what extent is pollution impacting human food production systems?