Theme 3: Key Idea 3.1 How ecosystems function — Eduqas GCSE Geography B
Teaching note based on the EDUQAS specification.
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Theme 3: Key Idea 3.1 How ecosystems function explained
This key idea has three parts. First, you locate biomes globally and link their distribution to climate zones: tropical rainforests lie near the Equator where it is hot and wet all year; hot deserts lie around 30° north and south where descending air keeps rainfall low; hot semi-arid grasslands lie between deserts and wetter zones, with a short wet season and a long dry season. Second, you describe the characteristics of two contrasting biomes and how their climate, soils, vegetation, animals and humans depend on each other. Third, coverage must include hot semi-arid grasslands, linking to the hot semi-arid climate in 2.3.2 and to changing climatic patterns in 3.4.1, plus one other biome such as tropical rainforest. Interdependence means a change in one part affects the others: less rain reduces grass growth, which reduces grazing animals and the people who depend on them.
Your focus
- Locate major biomes globally and link their distribution to climate zones.
- Describe the characteristics of hot semi-arid grasslands and one other contrasting biome.
- Explain interdependence between climate, soils, vegetation, animals and humans in a biome.
Theme 3: Key Idea 3.1 How ecosystems function exam tips
Marking Points
- Locates a biome accurately, for example tropical rainforest near the Equator or hot semi-arid grassland between desert and wetter zones.
- Links a biome's distribution to a climate zone, such as low rainfall and a short wet season in hot semi-arid grasslands.
- Describes a characteristic of hot semi-arid grassland, such as sparse grasses and drought-tolerant plants.
- Explains interdependence, for example that reduced rainfall lowers grass growth, which reduces grazing animals and the people who depend on them.
- Compares two contrasting biomes by referring to climate, soils, vegetation, animals and humans in each.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Check the question asks about location, characteristics or interdependence before choosing an option.
- 💡Use climate reasons, such as rainfall and temperature, to justify a biome's position.
- 💡Remember that coverage must include hot semi-arid grasslands, so expect questions on that biome.
- 💡Reject options that describe a biome's features without any link to climate, soils, vegetation, animals or humans.
Common Mistakes
- Places biomes without linking them to climate zones; state the climate reason for each location.
- Describes only one biome; cover hot semi-arid grasslands and one other contrasting biome.
- Lists features without showing interdependence; explain how a change in one part affects the others.
- Confuses hot semi-arid grassland with hot desert; note the short wet season and grass cover.