Sarawak lies in south-east Asia, and much of it is covered by tropical rainforest. Logging was permitted across extensive parts of the forest. A study was conducted to estimate the population size of several mammal species living in the rainforest:
• prior to logging
• straight after logging
• two years later
• four years later.
Table 8.1 gives the findings for six mammal species. If the numbers were too low for population density to be measured, the species were recorded as "present". Mean number of animals per $\text{km}^{-2}$.
(a)[2]
Calculate the percentage increase in the small squirrel population from before logging to two years after logging. Include your working.
(b)[4]
Suggest why populations, such as that of the small squirrel, do not continue to grow indefinitely.
(c)[2]
Suggest why marbled cats and small-clawed otters died out in this area whereas the other mammals did not.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “550% increase” …