Fauna, Flora and Touristic Geography — Undated Paper

Source: FAUNA, FLORA AND TOURISTIC GEOGRAPHY_compressed.pdf

Source note: The supplied question page does not show a complete examination date.

Question 1(a)

Explain five safety precautions that a tourist must observe when undertaking mountain climbing on Mount Kenya. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Use a suitable route with a qualified guide and follow park instructions.
  2. Wear appropriate boots and carry warm, waterproof clothing.
  3. Ascend gradually, monitor symptoms of altitude illness and descend or seek help if symptoms develop.
  4. Check weather conditions and avoid exposed locations during dangerous storms.
  5. Carry safe drinking water, food, communication arrangements and an agreed emergency plan.

Question 1(b)

Describe five natural conditions that have effects on coral gardens in marine ecosystems. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Water temperature influences coral growth and can cause bleaching when outside tolerable ranges.
  2. Adequate light supports photosynthetic symbionts in many reef-building corals.
  3. Salinity changes can stress corals, especially near large freshwater inflows.
  4. Sediment and turbidity can smother coral or reduce available light.
  5. Wave action and currents influence oxygen, food supply and physical damage.

Question 2(a)

Explain five factors that facilitate tourism activities in the Alpine climatic regions of Europe. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Snow and suitable slopes support winter sports.
  2. Mountain scenery attracts sightseeing and photography.
  3. Summer conditions allow walking, climbing and other outdoor recreation.
  4. Transport links, lifts and marked trails make mountain areas accessible.
  5. Established resorts, accommodation and professional services support organised visits.

Question 2(b)

Describe five causes of off-road driving in a national park ecosystem. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Drivers may leave routes to approach a wildlife sighting more closely.
  2. Congestion at viewing points can encourage attempts to bypass other vehicles.
  3. Poorly maintained, flooded or blocked roads can tempt drivers to divert.
  4. Weak enforcement may allow prohibited driving to continue.
  5. Poor guide training or pressure to satisfy clients can lead to disregard for designated routes. These explain the behaviour; they do not justify violating park rules.

Question 3(a)

Explain five consequences of faulting in the recent past on the tourism sector in the Rift Valley of Kenya. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Ground movement or fissures can damage roads and interrupt access.
  2. Damage to visitor facilities can require repairs and raise operating costs.
  3. Earthquake-related hazards can threaten visitors and residents.
  4. Public concern about safety can lead to cancellations or altered itineraries.
  5. Fault-related landforms and geothermal features can also support geotourism when access is safe. A particular fissure should not be labelled tectonic without geological evidence.

Question 3(b)

Explain five ecological roles of mangrove vegetation in the coastal region of Kenya. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Provides nursery habitats for fish and crustaceans.
  2. Stabilises sediment and helps limit coastal erosion.
  3. Traps suspended particles and influences water quality.
  4. Stores carbon in vegetation and waterlogged soils.
  5. Supports food webs through leaf litter, shelter and feeding habitats.

Question 4(a)

Describe five techniques that a tourist guide can use in the identification of wild animals in a protected area. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Compare visible size, body shape, colour and markings with a reliable field guide.
  2. Observe tracks and footprints, considering their size and pattern.
  3. Identify characteristic calls or other sounds.
  4. Examine signs such as dung, feeding remains and territorial marks without unsafe contact.
  5. Use habitat, range and behaviour to support identification, rather than relying on one uncertain feature.

Question 4(b)

Describe five adaptive features of frogs for survival in their environment. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Powerful hind legs assist jumping and, in many species, swimming.
  2. Webbed feet help aquatic species move through water.
  3. Moist skin supports gas exchange where conditions permit.
  4. Camouflaged colour patterns can reduce detection by predators.
  5. Eyes and nostrils positioned towards the top of the head help many aquatic frogs observe and breathe near the surface.

Question 5(a)

Explain five reasons that will make a tourist to use the Standard Gauge Railway trains to travel between Nairobi and Mombasa. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. A scheduled rail service allows advance itinerary planning.
  2. Rail avoids some road congestion and associated journey uncertainty.
  3. Seating and onboard facilities can make the journey comfortable.
  4. The route offers scenery during daylight travel.
  5. A train can accommodate groups and luggage without each group arranging separate road vehicles; travellers should check the current timetable and conditions.

Question 5(b)

Describe five features that are used to determine age among birds. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Juvenile and adult plumage patterns can differ.
  2. Moult stage and feather generations help distinguish age classes in some species.
  3. Feather wear and shape may differ between younger and older birds.
  4. Iris colour can change with maturity in certain species.
  5. Bill, cere, gape or leg colour can provide species-specific age clues. Exact age generally requires a known history or suitable records; these features are not universal ageing rules.

Question 6(a)

Explain five reasons for encouraging the use of briquettes as alternative charcoal. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Briquettes made from suitable waste biomass can reduce demand for wood charcoal.
  2. Using agricultural residues can create value from otherwise discarded material.
  3. Local production provides income and employment.
  4. Consistent shape and density can improve handling and storage.
  5. Appropriate manufacturing and stoves can improve fuel-use efficiency. Benefits depend on feedstock and production; briquettes still require safe ventilation when burned.

Question 6(b)

Explain five ways in which tourist activities contribute to the pollution of the environment. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Transport emits exhaust gases and can contribute to noise pollution.
  2. Poorly managed solid waste litters land and water.
  3. Untreated wastewater from accommodation can contaminate aquatic environments.
  4. Fuel or chemical spills from boats and service operations pollute water and soil.
  5. Excessive artificial lighting and loud entertainment can disturb wildlife and local residents.

Question 7(a)

Explain five reasons that make the Southern Rift Valley of Kenya a preferred tourist destination. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Distinctive escarpments and volcanic landscapes provide striking scenery.
  2. Wildlife areas offer safari and nature-viewing experiences.
  3. Cultural heritage and community activities diversify itineraries.
  4. Birdlife and suitable lakes or wetlands attract specialist visitors.
  5. Its combination of accessible routes and established visitor facilities makes varied trips possible.

Question 7(b)

Describe five negative effects of increase in human population on tourism in the Maasai Mara ecosystem. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Expansion of settlements and farms reduces wildlife habitat.
  2. Fences and development obstruct wildlife movement corridors.
  3. Greater demand for water and grazing increases pressure on limited resources.
  4. More frequent contact between people, livestock and wildlife can intensify conflict.
  5. Waste and unplanned development can degrade scenery and the quality of the visitor experience.
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