12 and 8 markers

Question 1

Evaluate whether tropical rainforests are of more value than coral reefs to humans and the planet. (12) (Para 1)

Answer 1

Para 1:

• Both rainforests and coral reefs are important for their biodiversity.
• The Congo Basin rainforest exchanges water and energy with atmosphere controlling local and regional climates.
• Home to ½ of elephants on continent, the most gorillas and the Bonobo and Okapi reliant on the forest
• 10% of world’s fish species found in GBR
• The Congo basin rainforest has more species than the GBR so it has more value in terms of its biodiversity

Question 2

Evaluate whether tropical rainforests are of more value than coral reefs to humans and the planet. (12) (Para 2)

Answer 2

Para 2:

• Both the GBR and the Congo Basin Rainforest are of economic importance.
• The Congo Basin is home to 80% of the world’s supply of tin and coltan which is used for small electronic devices and tin and coltan trade can be a source of income for countries like the DRC however this buisness is very corrupt and the money isn’t divided fairly
• The GBR has an economic value of $6bn/year and it attracts 2.6 million visitors a year
• It provides jobs for 70,000 people and has a fishing value of $1bn/year

Question 3

Evaluate whether tropical rainforests are of more value than coral reefs to humans and the planet. (12) (Para 3)

Answer 3

Para 3:

• Both the GBR and the Congo Basin rainforests have value to humans
• International Cancer Institutes have identified 1400 tropical forest plants with potential to fight cancer,
• Indigenous tribes live off rainforest e.g. bush meat. Also place of refuge in times of strife.
• The GBR Provides 70,000 jobs for locals
• GBR research potential is high for cures of cancer and other diseases