winter 2023
3 (a) (i) Study Fig. 3.1 (Insert), a map showing natural vegetation types found in southern
Pakistan.
Using Fig. 3.1 only, describe the distribution of riverain forest / bela.
- (only) along the River (Indus)/both sides of the river
- southern part of River (Indus)
- S/SE/E of Pakistan
- linear pattern/in a line/in separate blocks/not a continuous line
- there are 7 sections of forest
- N/NE of Arabian Sea/W of India/E/SE of Iran/SE of Afghanistan
- surrounded by tropical thorn/accurate direction from another named vegetation type
- runs between latitude 24 °N to 28 °N
- along longitude 68 °E (accept 67 °E to 69 °E)
- begins (40–60km) inland/doesn’t reach the coast
- 350–500km length (along the river)
3 @ 1 mark
(ii) Study Fig. 3.2 (Insert), a photograph showing a type of vegetation found in Pakistan.
Identify the type of vegetation shown in the photograph. Circle the correct answer.
evergreen forest mangrove tropical thorn / rakh [1]
mangrove
1 @ 1 mark
(iii) Using Fig. 3.2 (Insert) only, describe two characteristics of the type of vegetation shown.
- grow in water
- roots are long/woody/thick/tangled/gnarled/knobbly ‘knees’
- roots are above ground/above water surface/exposed
- roots spread over a wide area/widespread/spread out
- leaves are small/green/thick
- leaves are pointing upwards/at the top
- trunk(s)/branches are thin/multiple
2 @ 1 mark
winter 2020
4 Study Fig. 4.1, a pie graph showing the percentage share of Pakistan’s total forest cover by
province-level area.
(a) (i) Complete the pie graph in Fig. 4.1 to show the percentage of total forest cover found in
Gilgit-Baltistan and Sindh. Use the information below and the key provided:
1 mark for accurate completion of line on pie chart (11%/9% or vice versa),
1 mark for Sindh correctly shaded, 1 mark for Gilgit-Baltistan
correctly shaded
3 @ 1mark
(ii) Complete the passage below about reasons for the variations in the percentage share
of forest cover shown in Fig. 4.1. Choose the correct words from the list and place them
in the spaces provided.
KPK has the largest percentage share of forest cover in Pakistan because the climate is more suitable for growing trees. There are fewer trees in Punjab because the land is needed for cultivation. Some areas may have suffered more from deforestation than others.
3 @ 1 mark
(b) (i) State three functions of forests in Pakistan.
- provides shade/lowers temperature;
- provides humus/fertilises soil;
- prevent soil erosion/landslides;
- reduces flooding/prevent silt/reduce surface runoff;
- used for timber;
- used for fuel wood/firewood/wood;
- for making products e.g. furniture/boats/paper/trucks/bridges;
- provide oxygen/reduce carbon dioxide/air pollution/purify air;
- shelter for wildlife/habitat;
- building houses;
- for domestic use/cooking;
- scenic beauty/recreation opportunities/tourism;
- for medicinal purposes/in pharmaceutical industry;
- provide moisture through evapotranspiration;
- mangroves protect coastlines/provide breeding ground for fish;
- provides food/fruit/nuts/herbs.
3 @ 1 mark
(ii) State one difference between productive forests and protection forests.
- productive forests are mainly natural/high tree density/forest canopy is
closed/great commercial value/mostly used for extraction of
timber/wood/firewood; - protection forests are mainly planted by people/man-made/often
linear/along roads/railways/in parks/little commercial value/main
function is to protect the soil/provide shade.
2 @ 1 mark
(iii) Study Fig. 4.2, a diagram showing how altitude affects vegetation type.
Using Fig. 4.2 and your own knowledge, suggest how altitude affects the type and
amount of vegetation in Pakistan.
- fewer trees grow as altitude increases/more trees grow at lower
altitudes; - more variety of trees/forests/grow at lower altitudes/named
examples/altitude affects temperature lower altitudes are warmer which
results in a wider variety of trees/forests; - mangrove forests are along coastline/mouth of rivers/low altitude/sea
level to 1000 m/irrigated/riverain/sub-tropical/tropical thorn; - high/mid-altitudes only have evergreen/coniferous/alpine trees/types of
leaves described/sloping branches; - only coniferous grow 1000–4000 m;
- altitude affects temperature/temperature decreases with height which
results in stunted growth of trees at 4000 m and above/alpine forests; - 4000–4500 m only alpine grow/highest forest is alpine/alpine found just
below snow line; - no trees grow above the snowline/above 4500 m.
4 @ 1 mark
(c) Explain two effects of deforestation on the natural environment of Pakistan. You should
develop your answer.
- exposure of soil (1); leads to soil erosion by wind or water (dev);
- no roots to slow down infiltration (1); leads to flooding (dev);
- habitat loss/less shade for animals (1); leads to extinction of
animals/species (dev); - breaks down the food chain (1) leads to extinction (dev);
- more CO2 in the atmosphere/more pollution in the air (1); increased
global warming/climate change/increased temperatures/because trees
act as filters/trees absorb pollutants (dev); - increased surface runoff (1); due to lack of roots to slow down
movement of water/which could lead to flooding (dev); - amount of rainfall is decreased/water cycle disrupted (1); due to less
evapotranspiration (dev).
Note: One mark for identification of appropriate idea and a further mark for
development.
Note: Possible opportunity to allow a further mark or marks for additional
development.
Note: Max. 2 marks if no development.
2 @ 2marks
(d) The United Nations environment programme supports Pakistan’s initiatives with forest
owners, the timber industry and forest-dependent communities to keep its forests alive and
healthy by controlling deforestation and degradation.
To what extent can initiatives on forests encourage further sustainable development in
Pakistan? Give reasons to support your judgement and refer to examples you have studied.
You should consider different points of view in your answer.
Content Guide
Answers are likely to refer to:
Forest initiatives can encourage further sustainable development
- there is a financial incentive for the government/country to protect their
forests and reduce deforestation; - it is an international initiative so likely to be implemented and monitored
effectively; - specific criteria clearly identified for governments/countries to adopt;
- examples of sustainable management strategies for implementation
e.g. plant a tree for everyone cut down; - use of LPG/CNG or other fuels will lead to less deforestation;
- education about the importance of trees and sustainable development
of forests; - local landowners given a financial incentive to plant trees rather than
other uses/named examples; - encourage eco-tourism;
Etc.
Ideas against
- individual landowners will still deforest areas if they need the land for
other purposes or examples of what land is needed for; - it is not clear how much will be paid to the government/country for their
co-operation; - the financial incentives may not be lucrative enough compared to the
financial benefits of deforestation; - long term project/investment as takes time for trees to grow;
- resistance to education about the importance of trees in some tribal
areas; - political/government changes can alter forest laws;
- initiatives may be mismanaged;
- illegal cutting of trees/cutting cannot be controlled;
Etc.
Named examples could include: The Tarbela/Mangla Watershed
Management Project/Rachna Doab Afforestation Project/Billion Trees
project/Agha Khan Rural Support Programme etc.
summer 2018
2 (a) (i) Study Fig. 2.1, a map showing forest types in Pakistan.
Name the forest types shown at A, B and C:
- Forest type A – Coniferous;
- Forest type B – Subtropical scrub / subtropical dry / subtropical thorn / dry
thorn scrub; - Forest type C – Tropical thorn / rakh.
3 @ 1 mark
(ii) Using Fig. 2.1, name two areas in Pakistan where mangroves grow.
- Coastal areas of Sindh / Indus Delta;
- Coastal areas of Balochistan / Sonmiani Bay;
- Along the coastline of / near the Arabian Sea.
2 @ 1 mark
(b) (i) Describe two natural characteristics of mangrove forests.
- Broad / big leaves / leaves have drip tips;
- Leaves are leathery / have reduced number of stomata;
- Low trees and shrubs;
- Height 3–8 m;
- Can survive in salty water;
- Roots filter salt / have aerial roots / have prop roots / roots stick up out of
water; - Prefer clean / unpolluted water.
2 @ 1 mark
(ii) Describe two functions of forests.
- Protect soil from erosion / being blown away;
- Lower the temperature / provide shade / create a more pleasant
environment; - Provide humus to fertilise the soil;
- Provide raw materials / named example, e.g. timber (for industry) /
furniture / medicines / firewood; - Many jobs depend on forests / examples of jobs;
- Recreational value / promote tourism / provide scenic beauty;
- Prevent floods;
- Take in CO2 / release O2;
- Provide habitat for wildlife;
- Increase / encourage rainfall / create transpiration;
- Help with desalination (Eucalyptus trees).
2 @ 1 mark
(iii) Suggest three physical factors which determine the type and density of forests.
- Altitude, e.g. high altitude = fir / spruce / alpine;
- Precipitation, e.g. dry areas = thorny bushes / scrub;
- Precipitation, e.g. high precipitation = coniferous / evergreen forests;
- Soil type / edaphic factors, e.g. salty areas = mangroves / fertile soil =
high density; - Temperature, e.g. low / cold = alpine;
- Temperature, e.g. high / hot / warm = tropical scrub;
- Presence of rivers = riverain / bela;
- Presence of oases = individual trees / palms.
3 @ 1 mark
(c) (i) Study Fig. 2.2, which shows a coniferous tree.
Explain how this type of tree has adapted to the climatic conditions it grows in. You
should develop your answer.
Ideas showing how the tree has adapted to the climate such as:
- Evergreen – no need to renew leaves / short growing season;
- Compact conical shape – stabilises the tree in windy conditions / releases
snow / prevents snow accumulation; - Needles instead of leaves – reduces moisture loss;
- Tall / straight trunk – in order to grow straight towards sunlight;
- Cones – protect seeds during cold months;
- Downward pointing branches – allows snow to easily fall off;
- Shallow root system – as soils are thin / subsoil is frozen for most of the
year; - Long / wide spreading roots – helps to anchor the tree against strong
winds; - Thick bark – protects from cold winds.
Etc.
Note: One mark for identification of appropriate idea and a further mark for
development (in parentheses).
Note: Max. 2 marks if no development.
2 @ 2 marks
(ii) State three causes of deforestation in Pakistan.
- For farming / agriculture / growing crops / irrigation;
- Urbanisation / growth of settlements;
- Construction of roads / railways;
- Industrialisation / growth / spread of industries;
- Use of wood in industry / to sell / examples of use of wood, e.g. timber /
furniture; - Mining / extraction of raw materials;
- For fuelwood / cooking / heating;
- Overgrazing causes more trees to be cleared for cattle;
- Fire;
- Flooding;
- Reservoirs for dams.
3 @ 1 mark
(d) Around 5 per cent of the land area of Pakistan is forested. To meet sustainable development
targets the amount of land covered by forest needs to increase to 25 per cent by 2030. Read
the following two views about possible uses of land in Pakistan:
Which view do you agree with more? Give reasons to support your answer and refer to
examples you have studied. You should consider View A and View B in your answer.
Content Guide
Answers are likely to refer to:
Importance of forests
Protect against soil erosion important for the future of agriculture;
Protect areas against flooding important for settlements and industry;
A valuable resource for industry;
Without forests other industries / example(s) of industries will not succeed;
Help to regulate the climate / carbon sink;
Mangroves protect against tropical cyclones / without mangroves industry and housing can be lost;
Development of tourism / ecotourism / sustainable tourism.
Importance of other uses of land
Needs to be used for developing industry / land too valuable for growing trees;
Land is limited;
Growing population needs new settlements / construction of settlements;
More food needs to be grown for growing population and for export;
Trees take a long time to grow so have to wait for a capital return on them;
For named infrastructure development, e.g. roads / electricity grid.
Etc.
winter 2017
(c) (i) Name one type of tree grown on plantations in Pakistan.
One of: babul, shisham, acacia, coniferous / spruce / fir, eucalyptus, jhand,
tamarisk, fruit trees.
1 @ 1 mark
(ii) Describe three physical factors which influence the distribution of forests.
- Rainfall – in sufficient quantity / distributed throughout the year / arid areas
only thorn or scrub / wetter areas for evergreen / broad-leafed; - Temperature – mild / warm for non-coniferous / cool / cold for coniferous;
- Extent of water supply other than rainfall – oases / aquifer at surface, river
banks, sea / estuary / delta for mangroves / tolerates salt; - Soil – alluvium for mangrove / riverain / soil type influences density of
forest; - Altitude – types of forest vary with altitude / only up to treeline at 4000 m /
coniferous
1000–4000 m / thorn / scrub / riverain below 1000 m.
3 @ 1 mark
summer 2016
(b) (i) Study Photograph A (Insert). Identify the type of forest vegetation shown in the
photograph. [1]
Subtropical dry / subtropical scrub / dry thorn scrub /subtropical thorn
(ii) Study Fig. 8 which gives information about different types of forested area in Pakistan.
Describe one main change in forested area over the period shown. [1]
Overall decreased
Natural forest decreased
Plantations increased
Other woodland increased
(iii) State the main difference between natural forest and plantations. [1]
Natural forests are not planted by man: plantations are planted by man/man-made
Natural forests have greater variety of species/greater biodiversity
(iv) In 2014 about 4.2% of the land area of Pakistan was covered in forest. Explain why more forests need to be planted in the Indus Plain. [5]
Pakistan has one of the lowest proportions of its total area under forest in the world
To meet a target for % total area covered in forest (20–25%)
To replace trees cut down / to meet the needs of future generations from forests
For firewood (thereby conserving natural forest)
For commercial use/timber/wood-based industries (using timber as a raw material e.g. furniture making) /fruit trees/medicines To prevent siltation in rivers/canals, to decrease surface runoff, to prevent soil erosion/landslides (preserves top layer of fertile soil for agriculture) /landslides, to increase rainfall
To create habitat (to conserve animals / wildlife) / to create scenic beauty (to boost tourism)/to create shade/cooler temperatures
To purify air/produce O2 / to absorb CO2 (which will help prevent global warming)
To prevent / control flooding
winter 2016
(c) Study Fig. 2 which is a map showing different forest types in Pakistan.
(i) In the key, name the types of forest shown on the map. [2]
(Top to bottom) Mangrove, Riverain / Bela, Irrigated, Coniferous / Alpine
(Mark as one or two correct 1 mark; three or four correct 2 marks)
(ii) For one of the forest types you have named in (i):
- Describe the features of the forest.
- Explain the uses or purpose of the trees that grow there.
- Describe the features of the forest – 2 marks
- Explain the uses or purpose of the trees that grow there – 2 marks [4]
| Description: 2 Marks | Uses / Purpose: 2 Marks | General points: max 1 Mark |
| MANGROVE Leaves – broad / drip tips / leathery / pointed Low / 3–8 m / do not grow tall / general height 3 m Grow on mudflats Survive in sea water / salt tolerant Roots bend into water Roots filter salt from water | Firewood Breeding ground for fish / shrimps Leaves food / nutrition for fish Fodder for camels / livestock Protects from coastal erosion Furniture Thatching material Barrier against floods, tsunami, storms / intensity of earthquakes | Reduce surface run-off Prevent floods Prevent soil erosion Protect against air pollution / purify air Protect soil (conserve soil) Humus to increase soil fertility Increase rainfall Timber Habitats / breeding and conserving areas for birds and wildlife |
| RIVERAIN / BELA Shishum / babul / willow / dhak Commercial hardwoods | For furniture / agricultural instruments / construction Firewood | |
| IRRIGATED Blocks of same species shishum / babul / eucalyptus / jhand Dense / compact | Firewood Shade For construction / fencing | |
| CONIFEROUS / ALPINE 30 m Spruce / fir / deodar / kail / chir Evergreen Conical shape / downward sloping branches Leaves small / narrow / needle-shaped / leathery Roots wide-spreading / shallow Survive in low temps | For furniture / boxes / crates For paper and pulp Protection from landslides Tourism For scenic beauty For construction Firewood |
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development is defined as that which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
This means that the resources should be used in such a way that not only the present generation benefits from them, but the future generations also continue to benefit from them.
Define sustainable forestry.
Sustainable forestry means that we should manage the forest resources in such a way as to ensure that we will be able to obtain the things that we want from the forests on a regular basis while conserving the natural environment.
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