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Sustaining Ecosystems (Our Natural World)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are ecosystems and how are biomes distributed?

The structure of ecosystems (producers, consumers, decomposers, food chains and webs, nutrient cycling); and the global distribution of the major biomes, including tropical rainforest and polar, and the climatic conditions that create them.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Geography B (J384) Sustaining Ecosystems on the structure of ecosystems, food chains, webs and nutrient cycling, and the global distribution of biomes such as tropical rainforest and polar.
10 min answer →

What are the characteristics of a polar environment, and how is it threatened?

The climate, soils and ecosystem of polar and tundra environments; plant and animal adaptations; the opportunities and challenges for human activity; and the threats, including climate change, and sustainable management.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Geography B (J384) Sustaining Ecosystems on polar and tundra environments, covering their climate, adaptations, the opportunities and challenges for people, and the threats from climate change.
10 min answer →

How can ecosystems be used and managed sustainably?

Why ecosystems matter (goods and services) and why they are under threat; and how local and global strategies, including protected areas, international agreements and balancing development with conservation, can manage biomes sustainably.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Geography B (J384) Sustaining Ecosystems on managing ecosystems sustainably, covering why ecosystems matter, the threats they face, and local and global strategies including protected areas and international agreements.
10 min answer →

What are the characteristics of a tropical rainforest, and how is it threatened?

The climate, soils, structure, biodiversity and nutrient cycling of the tropical rainforest; plant and animal adaptations; the causes and impacts of deforestation; and sustainable management at different scales.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Geography B (J384) Sustaining Ecosystems on tropical rainforests, covering their climate, structure, adaptations and nutrient cycle, the causes and impacts of deforestation, and sustainable management.
11 min answer →