SECTION C
ENDEMISM IN NAMIBIA
QUESTION 11
11.1 Clearly differentiate between a true endemic and a near-endemic species
(2)
11.2 a) Using Namibia's barking geckoes as an example, explain what speciation is.
(1)
b) Briefly discuss the original speciation of Namibia’s barking geckoes, name
both endemic species and say where and why they speciated.
(4)
c) Based on the recent research by Francois Becker in the Namib, discuss the
continued speciation of Ptenopus carpi and the evidence that he has found
to support this.
(5)
11.3 Give the scientific name of the Damara Tern and explain why it is considered to
be a breeding endemic.
(2)
11.4 Give the scientific name of the nocturnal Namib Dune gecko, and say why they
glow under ultra-violet light.
(2)
115 Give both the common and scientific names of the Namibian endemic ground
squirrel, and give two characteristics you as a tour guide in Etosha National
Park can use to distinguished it from the similar-looking South African ground
squirrel, that also occurs in Etosha.
(4)
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QUESTION 12
Choose either A or B
Some years ago, the Namib Sandsea became Namibia’s second World Heritage
Site, and for its unique plants and animals as well as its outstanding natural
beauty, and the interesting geomorphological processes that shaped it. Write
a paragraph on each of the following three unique animals found only there:
Namibia’s only truly endemic bird, one endemic reptile and one endemic
mammal, found only in the Namib Sand Sea.
Give both the common (%) and scientific (1) names of each and describe what
each looks like (1). Say if it is a true endemic or a near-endemic (4), give its
distribution and its preferred habitat (1). Discuss how it is adapted to surviving
in dunes. You may add other interesting facts too (1).
Mark allocation: Title (1), Introduction (2), Discussion (5 marks per animal) and
Conclusion (2).
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OR Option B on next page!