The environment — KCSE Geography

KCSE Geography · 57 practice questions · 4 syllabus objectives

19 easy19 medium19 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Define the environment and distinguish between the natural and man-made environment with examples

Explain the interdependence of components of the environment (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere)

Identify ways in which human activities modify the environment and assess the consequences of these modifications

The environment

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easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

List three ways in which urbanisation modifies the environment and explain two consequences of these changes. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 3 marks

Increased construction of buildings and infrastructure (1 mk)

Expansion of transport networks such as roads and railways (1 mk)

Reduction of green spaces and natural habitats (1 mk)

Part (b) — 1 mark

Increased air and noise pollution affecting health (1 mk)

easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Explain how changes in the atmosphere can impact the biosphere, giving two specific examples. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks

Changes in the atmosphere, such as increased temperatures, can affect plant growth and animal habitats (1 mk)

Pollutants in the atmosphere can lead to respiratory problems in animals and affect ecosystem health (1 mk)

Part (b) — 2 marks

Example 1: Increased carbon dioxide levels can enhance plant growth but may disrupt local ecosystems (1 mk)

Example 2: Acid rain from atmospheric pollutants can harm aquatic life in the hydrosphere (1 mk)

easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

Define the concept of interdependence among the components of the environment and provide two examples illustrating this relationship. (4 marks)

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Part (a) — 2 marks

Interdependence: the mutual reliance between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere (1 mk)

Each component affects and supports the others, contributing to a balanced ecosystem (1 mk)

Part (b) — 2 marks

Example 1: Water from the hydrosphere nourishes plants in the biosphere, which in turn release oxygen into the atmosphere (1 mk)

Example 2: Soil from the lithosphere provides nutrients for plants in the biosphere, which help prevent soil erosion (1 mk)

List two characteristics of the natural environment and two characteristics of the man-made environment. (4 marks)