Fig. 5.1 is an image of a water vole, Arvicola amphibius. This species is native to Great Britain. It is estimated that water vole numbers have declined by 94% over the last century. The cause is believed to be habitat fragmentation and also heavy predation by mink, Neovison vison, shown in Fig. 5.2. Mink come from North America, but they were introduced into Great Britain for fur farming. A number of them escaped, or were set free, and then their populations rose quickly in the wild.
(a)[4]
Name and describe one method that could be used to estimate the abundance of water voles in a local area.
(b)[2]
Outline two characteristics of Animalia cells that allow them to be distinguished from the cells of other multicellular eukaryotes.
(c(i))[3]
Discuss the reasons why alien species should be controlled.
(c(ii))[1]
Suggest one method of reducing mink numbers in Great Britain.
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