WAEC Biology 2018 Theory question 103

Theory question 103

Conservation of Natural Resources

(a) Explain briefly the following terms: (i) renewable natural resources; (ii) non-renewable natural resources. (b) Give two examples each of: (i) renewable natural resources; (ii) non-renewable natural resources. (c) State five ways of conserving forests. (d) State four effects of adding animal manure to garden soil. (e) Give the possible genotypes in humans.

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a)(i) Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replaced naturally (or by people) after use, so they need not run out if managed well.
(ii) Non-renewable resources exist in fixed amounts and cannot be replaced once used up, or take millions of years to form.
(b)(i) Any two: water, soil, forests/plants, wildlife/animals, air, sunlight.
(ii) Any two: petroleum (crude oil), coal, natural gas, minerals such as iron ore, tin, gold, limestone.
(c) Any five: afforestation and reforestation; forest reserves; controlled/selective felling; ban on bush burning and control of forest fires; laws against illegal logging; use of alternative fuels instead of firewood; taungya system; education of the public; fire belts.
(d) Any four: adds nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium); adds humus, which improves soil structure; increases water-holding capacity; improves aeration; increases soil organisms; reduces erosion; buffers soil pH.
(e) The question is unclear as printed. Likely meaning: haemoglobin genotypes AA, AS, SS (and AC, SC); or blood group genotypes AA, AO, BB, BO, AB, OO.

Explanation

Part (e) seems out of place in the paper; give the common human genotypes.