Question 1
Figure A graph showing past mass extinctions.
Explain one factor that may make a species less prone to extinction.
reach sexual maturity early;
...which means they are able to produce offspring early/have more offspring/have larger populations (and increase their species chances of success);
they can have high reproductive success/produce large number of offspring; ...large populations can increase the chances of their survival;
they are opportunistic/r species able to adapt to a wide variety of conditions; ...this allows them to be present in many habitats / have wide geographical coverage;
they have fast lifecycles (e.g. r species);
...which allows them to adapt quickly to change;
they have a number of habitats they can shelter/live/ are widely distributed; ...so if a population is affected in one habitat (e.g. by disease/predation) the species will still survive in another habitat/location;
they are omnivores/generalist feeders/switching predators;
...this adaptability to eating different foods results in potentially a large available food source/with some food source available even under harsh conditions;
ability to hide/camouflage/successfully fight;
...which can reduce predation rates and increase chances of species survival;
have high genetic diversity;
...they are able to adapt to changing environmental conditions;
valued by humans (e.g. as keystone/flagship species);
..increases human investment/action into conserving the species/its habitat (e.g. Giant
Panda);
not considered valuable by humans (e.g. as pets or making ornaments);
...it is not hunted/removed from habitat thereby reducing risk of extinction;
Marking guidance:
Award 1 mark for identifying the factor and 1 mark for the explanation.
Accept other reasonable responses.