Scribd
Upload
131 views

Comprehension - Task Answer

1. Cutting down dominant tree species can help protect other species and maintain a balanced environment. Some conservation groups cull deer and grey squirrels to control populations and protect habitats. 2. Historically, mammals played a role in naturally maintaining woodland balance by bringing down trees and consuming certain plants, but human intervention has disrupted this. 3. Removing dense woodland and replacing it with wildflowers and heather has had positive impacts by increasing habitat diversity for insects, birds and other wildlife.

Uploaded by

Sheen Sheen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
131 views

Comprehension - Task Answer

1. Cutting down dominant tree species can help protect other species and maintain a balanced environment. Some conservation groups cull deer and grey squirrels to control populations and protect habitats. 2. Historically, mammals played a role in naturally maintaining woodland balance by bringing down trees and consuming certain plants, but human intervention has disrupted this. 3. Removing dense woodland and replacing it with wildflowers and heather has had positive impacts by increasing habitat diversity for insects, birds and other wildlife.

Uploaded by

Sheen Sheen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

COMPREHENSION TASK

Read Text A, and then answer Questions 1(a)–(e) on the question paper.

Text A: How cutting down trees can help the environment

Some forest conservationists believe that you need to reduce a dominant species of tree in
order to protect other species.

It’s frequently suggested that culling is an appropriate method for maintaining populations of
animals and controlling numbers of invasive species. For example, such measures have
been taken to control the grey squirrel, which has stolen habitat and food from the red
squirrel. Large numbers of deer can also cause destruction of natural habitats. In these
situations, selective culling is a method of maintaining a manageable level.

The same argument can be applied to trees in forests.

This type of conservation is judged by some as a misguided attempt to save what is seen as
the most important, pretty or useful of the species, with little regard for the natural
progression of wildlife and the environment.

However, we must consider how this method attempts to restore balance within the
environment, not just allowing the survival of the fittest and fastest to adapt, but of a well-
rounded spread of species that all rely on each other for survival, including us!

The natural balancing of our woodlands was successfully maintained by various mammals in
the forests. Many of these mammals no longer exist or lack the freedom they once had.
Years ago, larger animals would naturally bring down trees and eat specific varieties of tree
and vegetation. These mammals helped to keep habitats varied and dynamic because they
roamed freely. However, since the intervention of humans, specific native and non-native
species either dominate woodlands or are restricted in their movements.

As a result, conservation groups have started to remove areas of dense woodland, replacing
it with wildflowers, heather and other different species. This strategy has had a positive
impact on woodland ecosystems.

It can seem incredibly destructive to cut down a 2-year-old oak or birch, but leaving them to
flourish would result in fewer habitats for wildlife. The silver birch self-seeds very efficiently
which causes overcrowding. Dense woodland then prevents sunlight hitting the woodland
floor, which reduces the variety of vegetation that can survive. It is this vegetation that allows
a habitat for insects and subsequently birds to thrive. Blue tits and nightingales are
commonly found around thickets that have few trees, as these birds have easier access to
their food sources, insects and berries.

Read Text A, How cutting down trees can help the environment and then answer
Questions 1(a)–(e).

Question 1

(a) Give two examples of animals that have been culled, according to the text.
Deer
• .........................................................................................................................................
Grey Squirrel
• .........................................................................................................................................
(b) Using your own words, explain what the text means by:

(i) ‘appropriate method’ (line 1):


................................................................................................................................
A sutiable method for a specific problem
................................................................................................................................
(ii) ‘Large numbers’ (line 4):
................................................................................................................................
A lot, bigger amount, etc.
................................................................................................................................

(c) Re-read paragraph 3, (‘This type of conservation _ and the environment.’).

Give two reasons why people might be against cutting down trees.

Saving specific species only based on how important, pretty or useful they are.
• .........................................................................................................................................
Not considering natural progresion without human intervention
• .........................................................................................................................................

(d) Re-read paragraphs 4 and 5, (‘However, we must _ in their movements.’).

(i) Identify two reasons why cutting down trees is important.


To not allow only the fastest or fittest of species to grow
• ..............................................................................................................................
To have a rounded spread of species that can rely on each other for survival
• ..............................................................................................................................

(ii) Explain how mammals once helped to maintain the natural balance in the woodlands.
The mammals would naturally bring down trees and eat specific varieties of tree and vegetation.
................................................................................................................................
Since they roamed freely they helped in keeping the habitat varied and dynamic as well.
................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................

(e) Re-read paragraph 7, (‘It can seem _ insects and berries.’).

Using your own words, explain why birds like blue tits and nightingales are not usually
found in dense woodland areas.
Dense woodlands prevent sunlight, thereby preventing the growth of specific vegetation and habitats such as thickets.
...........................................................................................................................................
. As a result birds like Blue tits and Nightingales find it hard to acess their food sources,insects and berries.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................

You might also like