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O Level Geography Resources Sustainability Quiz
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Questions
O-Level Geography Quiz - Resources Sustainability
Name: ________________________
Class: ________________________
Date: ________________________
Score: ______ / 50
Duration: 45 minutes
Total Marks: 50
Instructions:
- This quiz contains 20 questions on the topic of Resources Sustainability.
- Answer ALL questions in the spaces provided.
- Marks are indicated in brackets [ ].
- Where appropriate, support your answers with relevant examples.
- For data-based questions, refer specifically to the information provided.
Section A: Knowledge and Understanding (10 marks)
Answer all questions in this section.
1. Define the term "renewable resource" and give one example. [2]
2. State two ways in which intensive farming can lead to soil degradation. [2]
3. Identify one cause of water pollution from agricultural activities. [1]
4. What is meant by the term "food security"? [2]
5. Name one international organisation that works to address global food shortages and briefly describe its role. [3]
Section B: Skills and Analysis (20 marks)
Answer all questions in this section.
6. Study Figure 1 below, which shows global water consumption by sector for two different years.
| Sector | 1950 (%) | 2020 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 70 | 69 |
| Industry | 19 | 19 |
| Domestic | 11 | 12 |
(a) Describe the trend in domestic water consumption between 1950 and 2020. [2]
(b) Suggest one reason why agricultural water consumption has remained the dominant use of water globally. [2]
7. Study Figure 2, which shows food production (million tonnes) in Country X from 2000 to 2020.
| Year | Food Production (million tonnes) |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 120 |
| 2005 | 135 |
| 2010 | 160 |
| 2015 | 155 |
| 2020 | 170 |
(a) Describe the change in food production in Country X from 2000 to 2020. [3]
(b) Suggest one possible reason for the change in production between 2010 and 2015. [2]
8. Explain how providing a reliable supply of clean water can increase life expectancy in developing countries. [4]
9. With reference to a named example, describe how overfishing threatens marine resource sustainability. [4]
10. Study the photograph description below:
A river in a farming region appears green and covered with algae. Dead fish are visible along the banks.
Explain the process that has most likely caused this situation. [3]
Section C: Judgement and Decision-Making (10 marks)
Answer all questions in this section.
Study the information below about two approaches to managing water resources for questions 14 and 15.
Approach A: Large-scale dam construction
- Provides reliable water supply for irrigation and cities
- Generates hydroelectric power
- Displaces communities and floods ecosystems
- High construction and maintenance costs
Approach B: Community-based rainwater harvesting
- Low-cost and locally managed
- Suitable for rural and peri-urban areas
- Limited storage capacity
- Dependent on seasonal rainfall patterns
11. Identify one technological solution that can help address global food shortages. [2]
12. Explain one way in which technology can increase food production. [2]
13. Explain one limitation of relying solely on technological solutions to solve food shortages. [2]
14. Using the information provided, state one advantage of Approach A (large-scale dam construction). [2]
15. Using the information provided, state one disadvantage of Approach B (community-based rainwater harvesting). [2]
Section D: Application and Evaluation (10 marks)
Answer all questions in this section.
16. Describe one way in which sustainable farming practices can help maintain soil fertility. [2]
17. With reference to a named example, explain how the use of fossil fuels contributes to resource unsustainability. [2]
18. Study the water quality data for River X below.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) | 2.0 |
| Nitrate level (mg/L) | 25.0 |
(a) Explain the likely cause of the low dissolved oxygen level in River X. [2]
19. Explain why water is considered a renewable resource but can become non-renewable if mismanaged. [2]
20. Suggest one strategy that a government can adopt to reduce food waste and thus improve food security. [2]
END OF QUIZ
Check your answers carefully before submitting.
Answers
O-Level Geography Quiz - Resources Sustainability: Answer Key
Total Marks: 50
Section A: Knowledge and Understanding (10 marks)
1. Define the term "renewable resource" and give one example. [2]
Answer:
- Definition (1 mark): A renewable resource is a natural resource that can be replenished or regenerated naturally over a relatively short period of time, at a rate equal to or faster than its rate of consumption.
- Example (1 mark): Any valid example, e.g., solar energy, wind energy, water (hydrological cycle), forests (if sustainably managed), fish stocks (if not overexploited).
Marking notes: Accept any reasonable definition that captures the concept of natural replenishment. Do not accept "unlimited" without qualification. Example must be clearly renewable.
2. State two ways in which intensive farming can lead to soil degradation. [2]
Answer (any two, 1 mark each):
- Overuse of chemical fertilisers can lead to soil acidification and loss of soil fertility.
- Monoculture practices deplete specific soil nutrients, reducing soil quality.
- Heavy machinery compacts soil, reducing aeration and water infiltration.
- Over-irrigation can cause salinisation (salt build-up in soil).
- Removal of natural vegetation exposes soil to wind and water erosion.
Marking notes: Award 1 mark for each distinct and valid way. Must be clearly linked to intensive farming practices.
3. Identify one cause of water pollution from agricultural activities. [1]
Answer (any one):
- Runoff of chemical fertilisers (containing nitrates and phosphates) into water bodies.
- Pesticide runoff contaminating rivers and groundwater.
- Animal waste from livestock farming entering water systems.
- Sediment runoff from ploughed fields increasing turbidity.
Marking notes: 1 mark for any valid, specific cause. Generic "farming causes pollution" without specification is insufficient.
4. What is meant by the term "food security"? [2]
Answer:
- Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. [2 marks for a complete definition covering availability, access, utilisation, and stability]
Marking notes:
- 2 marks: Comprehensive definition covering availability, access, and quality/stability.
- 1 mark: Partial definition (e.g., only mentions "enough food" without access or quality).
- Accept reference to the four pillars: food availability, food access, food utilisation, and stability.
5. Name one international organisation that works to address global food shortages and briefly describe its role. [3]
Answer:
- Organisation (1 mark): e.g., World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), or any valid international NGO.
- Role (2 marks):
- WFP: Provides emergency food assistance during crises; supports school feeding programmes; helps communities build resilience through food-for-assets programmes.
- FAO: Works to improve agricultural productivity; provides technical assistance to farmers; monitors global food supplies and prices; promotes sustainable farming practices.
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for correctly naming a relevant organisation.
- 2 marks for describing at least two specific functions or activities. Generic "helps hungry people" earns only 1 mark.
Section B: Skills and Analysis (20 marks)
6. Study Figure 1 below, which shows global water consumption by sector for two different years.
(a) Describe the trend in domestic water consumption between 1950 and 2020. [2]
Answer:
- Domestic water consumption increased slightly from 11% to 12% of total global water consumption between 1950 and 2020. [1 mark]
- This represents a small increase of 1 percentage point over the 70-year period. [1 mark]
Marking notes:
- Award 1 mark for identifying the direction of change (increase).
- Award 1 mark for providing specific data reference (11% to 12%) or quantifying the change.
- Accept "remained relatively stable with a slight increase."
(b) Suggest one reason why agricultural water consumption has remained the dominant use of water globally. [2]
Answer:
- Agriculture requires large volumes of water for irrigation to grow crops, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. [1 mark]
- Global population growth has increased demand for food, requiring more agricultural water use to maintain or increase crop yields. [1 mark]
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for identifying a valid reason (irrigation needs, crop water requirements).
- 1 mark for elaboration or linking to a broader trend (population growth, dietary changes, climate conditions).
- Accept other valid reasons such as inefficient irrigation methods or expansion of agricultural land.
7. Study Figure 2, which shows food production (million tonnes) in Country X from 2000 to 2020.
(a) Describe the change in food production in Country X from 2000 to 2020. [3]
Answer:
- Overall, food production in Country X increased from 120 million tonnes in 2000 to 170 million tonnes in 2020, representing an overall increase of 50 million tonnes. [1 mark]
- Production rose steadily from 2000 to 2010, reaching 160 million tonnes. [1 mark]
- However, there was a slight decline to 155 million tonnes in 2015, before recovering to 170 million tonnes by 2020. [1 mark]
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for identifying the overall increasing trend with start and end values.
- 1 mark for describing the pattern of increase (steady rise 2000–2010).
- 1 mark for noting the fluctuation (decline in 2015 and recovery).
- Must reference specific data from the table.
(b) Suggest one possible reason for the change in production between 2010 and 2015. [2]
Answer:
- The decline from 160 to 155 million tonnes between 2010 and 2015 could be due to an extreme weather event such as a drought or flood that damaged crops. [1 mark]
- This would have reduced harvest yields, leading to lower total food production during that period. [1 mark]
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for suggesting a plausible reason (climate event, pest outbreak, policy change, conflict, economic factors).
- 1 mark for explaining how this reason would cause the observed decline.
- Accept any reasonable explanation with logical connection to reduced production.
8. Explain how providing a reliable supply of clean water can increase life expectancy in developing countries. [4]
Answer:
- Clean water reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, which are major causes of death, particularly among children. [1 mark]
- Fewer deaths from diarrheal diseases, especially in children under five, directly increases average life expectancy. [1 mark]
- Improved water supply also supports better hygiene and sanitation, reducing the spread of infectious diseases. [1 mark]
- Additionally, clean water improves nutrition as less energy is lost to fighting infections, and water is available for growing food, contributing to overall health and longer lives. [1 mark]
Marking notes:
- Award marks for clear causal links between clean water and health outcomes.
- Must explain the mechanism, not just state correlation.
- Accept reference to reduced child mortality, improved maternal health, or reduced malnutrition.
- Maximum 4 marks for a well-developed explanation with specific disease examples.
9. With reference to a named example, describe how overfishing threatens marine resource sustainability. [4]
Answer:
- Named example (1 mark): Collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada (or any valid named fishery collapse, e.g., bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean).
- Overfishing occurs when fish are caught faster than they can reproduce, leading to a sharp decline in fish populations. [1 mark]
- In the Newfoundland example, decades of heavy fishing caused cod stocks to collapse in the early 1990s, resulting in a fishing moratorium and the loss of thousands of jobs. [1 mark]
- This threatens marine resource sustainability because the cod population has not recovered, altering the marine ecosystem and affecting biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on the fishery. [1 mark]
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for a valid, specific named example.
- Remaining 3 marks for description linking overfishing to population decline, ecosystem impacts, and long-term sustainability challenges.
- Give credit for clear description of cause and effect, even if the example is different.
10. Study the photograph description below:
A river in a farming region appears green and covered with algae. Dead fish are visible along the banks.
Explain the process that has most likely caused this situation. [3]
Answer:
- The process is eutrophication. [1 mark]
- Nitrate and phosphate fertilisers from nearby farmland run off into the river, providing excess nutrients. [1 mark]
- This causes a rapid growth of algae (algal bloom), which covers the water surface and blocks sunlight. When the algae die, they are decomposed by bacteria, which uses up dissolved oxygen in the water. The resulting low oxygen levels kill fish and other aquatic life. [1 mark]
Marking notes:
- 1 mark for naming eutrophication (or describing the sequence).
- 1 mark for linking agricultural runoff (fertilisers) to nutrient enrichment.
- 1 mark for explaining how algal bloom leads to oxygen depletion and fish death.
- No marks for simply stating "pollution kills fish" without the process.
Section C: Judgement and Decision-Making (10 marks)
11. Identify one technological solution that can help address global food shortages. [2]
Answer:
- Solution (1 mark): Genetically modified (GM) crops that are drought-resistant or high-yielding; or hydroponics/vertical farming; or precision agriculture using drones and sensors.
- Brief description (1 mark): For example, GM crops such as Bt corn have been engineered to resist pests, reducing crop losses and increasing yields.
- Award 2 marks for a clearly identified and accurately described solution. Partial credit for naming but not describing.
12. Explain one way in which technology can increase food production. [2]
Answer:
- Explanation (2 marks): Use of high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, which produce more grain per plant than traditional varieties. When combined with adequate fertilisers and irrigation, HYV seeds can double or triple crop output. This directly increases the amount of food available from the same land area.
- 1 mark for identifying the technology, 1 mark for explaining the link to increased production.
13. Explain one limitation of relying solely on technological solutions to solve food shortages. [2]
Answer:
- Explanation (2 marks): Many advanced agricultural technologies are expensive and require ongoing investment in seeds, chemicals, and equipment. Smallholder farmers in developing countries often cannot afford these inputs, so technology alone does not reach those most in need. This can widen inequalities and fail to address the root causes of food shortages like poverty and poor infrastructure.
- 1 mark for stating the limitation, 1 mark for explaining its impact.
14. Using the information provided, state one advantage of Approach A (large-scale dam construction). [2]
Answer:
- Advantage (2 marks): Approach A provides a reliable water supply for irrigation and cities. This ensures water availability throughout the year, even during dry seasons, supporting agriculture and domestic needs consistently.
- Accept any advantage directly quoted from the bullet points with a brief explanation. 2 marks for a clear, accurate statement and brief elaboration; 1 mark for mentioning the advantage without elaboration.
15. Using the information provided, state one disadvantage of Approach B (community-based rainwater harvesting). [2]
Answer:
- Disadvantage (2 marks): Approach B has limited storage capacity. This means it cannot store large enough volumes of water to meet demand during extended dry periods, making it unreliable when rainfall is scarce.
- 2 marks for accurately identifying the disadvantage from the source and providing a meaningful explanation. 1 mark for just restating "limited storage capacity" without context.
Section D: Application and Evaluation (10 marks)
16. Describe one way in which sustainable farming practices can help maintain soil fertility. [2]
Answer:
- Description (2 marks): Crop rotation involves growing different types of crops in the same field in sequenced seasons. For example, planting legumes such as beans or peas helps fix nitrogen in the soil, replenishing nutrients that were depleted by previous crops. This naturally maintains soil fertility without excessive chemical inputs.
- 1 mark for naming a sustainable practice, 1 mark for explaining how it preserves or enhances soil fertility.
17. With reference to a named example, explain how the use of fossil fuels contributes to resource unsustainability. [2]
Answer:
- Named example (1 mark): Burning coal for electricity generation in China.
- Explanation (1 mark): Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources; their extraction and combustion deplete finite reserves, making them unsustainable for future generations. In addition, their use releases greenhouse gases that drive climate change, which can degrade other resources like water and agricultural land.
- 1 mark for a correct example, 1 mark for explaining unsustainability (depletion and/or environmental damage).
18. Study the water quality data for River X below.
(a) Explain the likely cause of the low dissolved oxygen level in River X. [2]
Answer:
- The high nitrate level (25.0 mg/L) is typical of fertiliser runoff from agricultural areas. These excess nutrients cause an algal bloom; when the algae die and decompose, bacteria consume dissolved oxygen, leading to a very low oxygen reading of 2.0 mg/L. [2 marks]
- 1 mark for linking high nitrates to nutrient pollution, 1 mark for linking nutrient pollution to oxygen depletion through algal decomposition.
19. Explain why water is considered a renewable resource but can become non-renewable if mismanaged. [2]
Answer:
- Water is renewable because it is constantly recycled through the hydrological cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation). [1 mark]
- However, if groundwater is extracted faster than it is recharged, the aquifer can take centuries to refill, effectively making it non-renewable. Similarly, pollution can render water sources unusable, reducing availability. [1 mark]
- 2 marks for a clear contrast between natural renewability and human-induced depletion/contamination.
20. Suggest one strategy that a government can adopt to reduce food waste and thus improve food security. [2]
Answer:
- Strategy (2 marks): The government can launch public education campaigns to encourage households to plan meals, store food properly, and understand date labels, thereby reducing the amount of edible food thrown away. Less waste means more food is available within the existing supply, contributing to food security.
- Accept other valid strategies such as subsidising food rescue organisations, mandating supermarkets to donate unsold food, or investing in composting and recycling. 1 mark for the strategy, 1 mark for explaining the link to food security.