In northern India, there is a conflict of interests between farmers of livestock (eg cows) and people trying to conserve ibex (a type of wild goat) - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 3
Question 2
In northern India, there is a conflict of interests between farmers of livestock (eg cows) and people trying to conserve ibex (a type of wild goat).
When livestock ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In northern India, there is a conflict of interests between farmers of livestock (eg cows) and people trying to conserve ibex (a type of wild goat) - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 3
Step 1
Name the type of competition between livestock and ibex.
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Answer
The type of competition between livestock and ibex is interspecific competition.
Step 2
1. Suggest three actions that the farmers could take to achieve this balance.
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Answer
Farmers should keep small numbers of livestock such as cows, horses, or yaks, so their populations will not grow large enough to cause competition with the ibex.
Farmers can choose to not farm horses, as they share the same habitat and very similar food to the ibex, which could lead to increased competition.
Implementing fenced areas or designated separate spaces for livestock can help ensure that livestock do not encroach on ibex habitats.
Step 3
2. Suggest three actions that the farmers could take to achieve this balance.
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Answer
Farmers could reduce the number of cows and maintain fewer of them or switch to keeping yaks, which have different habitat needs and dietary requirements compared to ibex.
Incorporating crop cultivation as an alternative can provide sustainable income without directly competing with ibex for resources.
Establishing conservation areas where livestock are not allowed can help protect ibex habitats while allowing farmers to farm elsewhere.