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Refer to the infographic below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 3 - 2024 - Paper 2
Question 3
Refer to the infographic below and answer the questions that follow. The Shark Research Institute collects data on Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) along the South... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Refer to the infographic below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 3 - 2024 - Paper 2
Step 1
3.1.1 The river is not in flood. Give TWO differences between ZONE A and ZONE C in terms of the water characteristics.
Answer
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Salinity Levels: Salinity is higher in Zone C compared to Zone A, which may affect the types of species that can thrive in these areas.
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Wave Action: Zone A has less wave action than Zone C, leading to different ecological conditions that may influence shark behavior and habitat preference.
Step 2
Step 3
3.1.2 (b) Give reasons why more sharks would be caught in the zone named in QUESTION 3.1.2(a).
Answer
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Breeding Ground: Zone C serves as a breeding ground for juvenile sharks, providing a safe habitat with ample food sources.
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Protection from Predators: This zone may offer more shelter or protective structures that reduce the risk of predation, encouraging higher numbers of juvenile sharks.
Step 4
3.1.3 Name AND explain how THREE sensory organs, OTHER THAN eyes, are used by sharks to navigate upstream.
Answer
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Lateral Line: Sharks utilize the lateral line to sense vibrations and pressure waves in the water, allowing them to detect movement and changes in their environment.
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Nostrils (Olfactory Cells): Sharks have highly developed nostrils that can detect blood and other substances, guiding them towards food sources and potential mates.
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Inner Ears: The inner ears of sharks detect vibrations in the water, helping them maintain balance and orientation while swimming upstream.
Step 5
3.1.4 (a) Give evidence from the text to support that this research programme can be considered an environmental activity.
Answer
The program facilitates the catch-and-release research that contributes to understanding and protecting shark populations, highlighting the environmental focus of engaging volunteers in data collection and conservation efforts.
Step 6
3.1.4 (b) State TWO ways in which overtourism can be prevented within this research programme.
Answer
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Limited Tourist Participation: Restricting the number of tourists allowed on research expeditions can help minimize the environmental impact and ensure sustainable interactions with wildlife.
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Scheduled Tours: Implementing a system where tours are scheduled at specific times allows for controlled exposure to the sharks, reducing stress on the animal populations.
Step 7
3.1.4 (c) How could this type of ecotourism benefit the sharks?
Answer
Ecotourism can benefit sharks by generating funding for conservation efforts and research, promoting awareness about their conservation status, and fostering a responsible attitude toward marine ecosystems among tourists.
Step 8
3.1.5 Motivate whether it is ethical for researchers to conduct this study on sharks.
Answer
It can be considered ethical as long as the research is conducted with proper guidelines to minimize harm to the sharks. The contributions to science and conservation outweigh the risks if handled professionally.