BTEC Environmental and Land-Based Studies Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Ecosystem science questions in Unit 3 frequently ask about energy transfer efficiency. Know that only around 10% of energy at one trophic level is passed to the next (the 10% rule), and be able to explain why energy is lost through respiration, excretion, and indigestible material. Practise calculating gross primary production, net primary production, and the energy budget of an ecosystem from data tables. Climate change science in Unit 1 requires understanding of both the mechanism (enhanced greenhouse effect) and the evidence (rising CO₂ concentrations from Mauna Loa data, global temperature anomaly records, sea level rise, Arctic ice extent reduction). Know the difference between mitigation strategies (reducing emissions, renewable energy, carbon capture) and adaptation strategies (flood defences, drought-resistant crops, managed retreat). Environmental policy questions benefit from knowing specific agreements and their targets. The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels; the UK's Environment Act 2021 includes legally binding targets for air quality, water quality, biodiversity, and resource efficiency. Examiners reward responses that cite specific legislation or international frameworks rather than speaking in general terms.