← Geography syllabus

NSWGeography

Ecosystems at Risk

9 dot points across 9 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do biophysical interactions sustain ecosystems?

Biophysical interactions in ecosystems, including the role of energy flows, nutrient cycling, and biotic and abiotic components
A focused answer on the foundational ecology of ecosystems. Biotic and abiotic components, food webs, energy flow, nutrient cycling, and the integration of the four spheres in producing ecosystem function.
6 min answer →

Why is the Great Barrier Reef an ecosystem at risk?

Case study 1 of TWO contrasting ecosystems at risk - the Great Barrier Reef
A focused answer on the Great Barrier Reef as the marine ecosystem-at-risk case study. The biophysical setting, mass bleaching record, multiple stresses, and the Reef 2050 Plan management response.
9 min answer →

How does human activity stress ecosystems?

Human-induced stress on ecosystems, including land clearing, pollution, overharvesting, invasive species, and climate change
A focused answer on human-induced stress. Land clearing (50 percent of original forest), pollution, overharvesting, invasive species (rabbits, cane toads, carp), and climate change as the major stressors with Australian quantitative data.
6 min answer →

How are ecosystems at risk managed?

Management strategies for ecosystems at risk, including traditional, contemporary, and integrated approaches
A focused answer on the management toolkit for ecosystems at risk. Protected areas, market mechanisms, regulation, restoration, monitoring, and the evolution from species-level to ecosystem-level approaches.
6 min answer →

Why is the Murray-Darling Basin an ecosystem at risk?

Case study 2 of TWO contrasting ecosystems at risk - the Murray-Darling Basin
A focused answer on the Murray-Darling Basin as the freshwater ecosystem-at-risk case study. River regulation, water extraction, salinity, invasive species, and the Basin Plan management response.
9 min answer →

What natural stresses affect ecosystems?

Natural stress on ecosystems, including drought, fire, flood, cyclones, ENSO, and disease, and the role of stress in ecosystem dynamics
A focused answer on natural stresses (drought, fire, cyclones, ENSO, disease) and how they normally function in Australian ecosystems but become destructive when interacting with climate change and human impact.
5 min answer →

What roles do individuals, groups, and governments play in managing ecosystems?

The role of individuals, groups, governments, and international agencies in managing ecosystems at risk
A focused answer on the multiple stakeholders in ecosystem management. Individuals, citizen science, NGOs, peak bodies, federal and state governments, Indigenous nations, and international agencies, with their specific tools.
5 min answer →

How has Indigenous knowledge shaped Australian ecosystem management?

Traditional ecological knowledge and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land and sea management as foundational to ecosystem health
A focused answer on Aboriginal land and sea management. Cultural burning, songlines as ecological knowledge systems, Indigenous Protected Areas (over 80 IPAs), and the modern integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge into Australian conservation.
6 min answer →

Why are some ecosystems more vulnerable than others?

Vulnerability and resilience of ecosystems including their adaptability, biodiversity, size, location, and the rate and magnitude of change
A focused answer on why some ecosystems are more vulnerable than others. Adaptability, biodiversity, size, location, edge effects, and tipping points, with Australian examples spanning the Great Barrier Reef, Macquarie Marshes, and alpine bogs.
6 min answer →