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Analyse the human and ecological inter-relationships which lead to the development of a plagioclimax. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 6
Analyse the human and ecological inter-relationships which lead to the development of a plagioclimax.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse the human and ecological inter-relationships which lead to the development of a plagioclimax. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Concepts of succession: seral stages, climatic climax, sub-climax and plagioclimax.
Answer
A plagioclimax is a community that occurs as a result of human activities or environmental factors that prevent the ecosystem from reaching its climatic climax. In essence, plagioclimax communities often exhibit a level of stability, yet remain persistently influenced by external factors, primarily human intervention.
Step 2
Nature of terrestrial ecosystems and the inter-connections between climate, vegetation, soil and topography which produce them.
Answer
Terrestrial ecosystems are formed through interactions between climate, vegetation, soil types, and topography. For example, a region's climate determines the vegetation that can thrive there, while soil composition and topography influence water drainage and nutrient availability.
Step 3
Factors influencing the changing of ecosystems, including climate change and human exploitation of the environment.
Answer
Climate change and human exploitation significantly impact ecosystem transitions. For instance, anthropogenic activities like deforestation and urban development disrupt natural habitats, shifting ecosystems toward a plagioclimax state.
Step 4
The effects of human activity on succession – illustrated by one plagioclimax community such as a heather moorland.
Answer
Heather moorland serves as a quintessential example of a plagioclimax community. It has developed primarily due to prolonged human activities, such as grazing and burning, which restrict natural succession processes. The continuous grazing pressure maintains this community despite potential for eventual shifts to a forested climax.