Question 1
With reference to named examples, discuss the significance of diversity in the sustainability of food production systems.
The following guide for using the markbands suggests certain features that may be offered in responses. The five headings coincide with the criteria given in each of the markbands (although "ESS terminology" has been conflated with "Understanding concepts"). This guide simply provides some possible inclusions and should not be seen as requisite or comprehensive. It outlines the kind of elements to look for when deciding on the appropriate markband and the specific mark within that band.
Answers may include:
- understanding concepts and terminology of genetic/species/habitat diversity;
cultural / political diversity;
sustainability;
ecological footprint;
yield per unit area;
aquatic and terrestrial food production;
commercial vs. subsistence;
multinational vs. local production;
monoculture v polyculture;
organic farming;
GMOs;
selective breeding;
impact of escapees on wild populations;
integrated agriculture;
habitat loss/degradation;
air/water/soil pollution;
threats to biodiversity/pollinators;
pesticide/fertilizer/antibiotic use;
biological pest control;
food choice;
buffer zones;
mineral cycles;
crop rotation, etc;
- breadth in addressing and linking technological and management strategies of terrestrial and aquatic food production systems with genetic/species/habitat diversity and significance of this in terms of sustainability and ecological footprint in the context of a range of geographical locations, social settings, levels of economic development, traditional values, international relations, legislations, personal attitudes and EVSs, etc;
- examples of named food production systems and strategies involved in monoculture, polyculture and integrated agriculture, wild fisheries, aquaculture etc;
- balanced analysis evaluating the extent to which diversity is significant in determining the sustainability of food production systems along with relevant limitations and counterarguments, etc;
- a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by, analysis and examples given eg "because diversity is such a significant factor in maintaining stability of systems, it is inevitably of great significance in maintaining both a sustainable production system and the wider environment in which the production takes place";
Please see markbands on page 18.