Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Conservation

Conservation — practice question

The range of the large blue butterfly, Phengaris arion, spans Europe and Asia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) places it on the Red List™ as ‘Near Threatened’ worldwide and ‘Endangered’ within Europe. In Europe, P. arion became extinct in the Netherlands in 1964 and in the United Kingdom in 1979. Fig. 6.1 presents the conservation status categories used in the IUCN Red List™. Fig. 6.2 shows P. arion.
(a(i))[3]

Explain how IUCN Red List™ assessments help to conserve biodiversity.

(a(ii))[2]

With reference to Fig. 6.1 and the IUCN assessments for P. arion, suggest how the butterfly’s abundance varies across its distribution.

(b(i))[2]

P. arion has been successfully re-introduced in the United Kingdom at 12 sites. These sites were restored to flower-rich grassland. The conservation management actions designed for P. arion also led to the return or increase of other species at the restored sites. These included 12 species of flowering plant, 8 other butterfly species and 4 species of other insects. Use the information given to suggest why P. arion went extinct in the United Kingdom in 1979.

(b(ii))[4]

Outline the benefits of restoring habitats for endangered species.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “identify / safeguard / prioritise the species most at risk” …

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