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BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 8

Indigenous land management practices are increasingly recognised for their effectiveness in ecosystem restoration.

Describe one specific case study where traditional knowledge has been applied to heal a damaged ecosystem in Australia. In your answer, explain the concept of 'Country' or 'Place' in this context and outline two specific restoration strategies used, highlighting their cultural significance.   (5 marks)

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Case study 1: Pilliga forest in NSW (one example of many)

  • In this context, ‘Country’ encompasses not just the physical landscape of the forest but the spiritual and cultural connections of the Aboriginal people.
  • Strategy 1: One key restoration strategy employed is the reintroduction of cultural burning practices. This traditional fire management technique helps reduce fuel loads, promote biodiversity, and encourages the growth of culturally significant plants.
  • Strategy 2: The restoration of natural water flows and wetlands, guided by traditional knowledge of the landscape was another restoration strategy used.
  • This approach not only improves water quality and habitat for native species but also revitalises culturally important water sites.
  • These strategies are culturally significant as they represent a continuation of ancestral practices and reinforce the Aboriginal people’s role as custodians of the land. 

Case study 2: Restoration of the Gulgalda in Tasmania

  • Gulgalda is a critically endangered plant species sacred to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
  • In this context, ‘Country’ refers to not just the physical landscape but the interconnected relationships between land, plants and people, including spiritual and cultural elements.
  • Strategy 1: The use of cultural burning, a controlled fire management technique that stimulates Gulgalda germination and reduces competition from other plants.
  • Strategy 2: The project incorporated traditional harvesting practices, where plant material is collected sustainably to propagate new individuals while maintaining the spiritual connection to Country.
  • These strategies hold cultural significance as they preserve ancestral traditions and reaffirm the Aboriginal people’s stewardship over the land.
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Case study 1: Pilliga forest in NSW (one example of many)

  • In this context, ‘Country’ encompasses not just the physical landscape of the forest but the spiritual and cultural connections of the Aboriginal people.
  • Strategy 1: One key restoration strategy employed is the reintroduction of cultural burning practices. This traditional fire management technique helps reduce fuel loads, promote biodiversity, and encourages the growth of culturally significant plants.
  • Strategy 2: The restoration of natural water flows and wetlands, guided by traditional knowledge of the landscape was another restoration strategy used.
  • This approach not only improves water quality and habitat for native species but also revitalises culturally important water sites.
  • These strategies are culturally significant as they represent a continuation of ancestral practices and reinforce the Aboriginal people’s role as custodians of the land. 

Case study 2: Restoration of the Gulgalda in Tasmania

  • Gulgalda is a critically endangered plant species sacred to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
  • In this context, ‘Country’ refers to not just the physical landscape but the interconnected relationships between land, plants and people, including spiritual and cultural elements.
  • Strategy 1: The use of cultural burning, a controlled fire management technique that stimulates Gulgalda germination and reduces competition from other plants.
  • Strategy 2: The project incorporated traditional harvesting practices, where plant material is collected sustainably to propagate new individuals while maintaining the spiritual connection to Country.
  • These strategies hold cultural significance as they preserve ancestral traditions and reaffirm the Aboriginal people’s stewardship over the land.

BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 7

Agricultural intensification has led to widespread land degradation in many parts of the world. 

Identify two major forms of land degradation resulting from agricultural practices. In your answer, describe a specific restoration technique used to address each form of degradation.   (4 marks)

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Soil erosion:

  • Soil erosion is a major form of land degradation that is caused by intensive cropping and overgrazing.
  • It can be addressed through crop rotation and destocking. These strategies help to stabilise soil structure, increase organic matter, and reduce erosion. 

Soil salinisation:

  • Soil salinisation is a form of land degradation whereby excessive salts accumulate in the soil, reducing its fertility and hindering plant growth.
  • It is often caused by poor irrigation practices and can be mitigated through the use of salt-tolerant crops and improved drainage systems.
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Soil erosion:

  • Soil erosion is a major form of land degradation that is caused by intensive cropping and overgrazing.
  • It can be addressed through crop rotation and destocking. These strategies help to stabilise soil structure, increase organic matter, and reduce erosion. 

Soil salinisation:

  • Soil salinisation is a form of land degradation whereby excessive salts accumulate in the soil, reducing its fertility and hindering plant growth.
  • It is often caused by poor irrigation practices and can be mitigated through the use of salt-tolerant crops and improved drainage systems.

BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 6

The concept of 'Country' holds deep significance in Aboriginal culture.

Explain the meaning of 'Country' from an Aboriginal perspective and describe a restoration practice that aligns with Aboriginal understanding of Country and could be used in post-mining landscapes.   (3 marks)

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  • In Aboriginal culture, ‘Country’ refers to a holistic concept that encompasses not just the physical landscape, but also spiritual and cultural connections.
  • It’s a living entity that Aboriginal people have a responsibility to care for and maintain.

Restoration process (could include one of the following):

  • A restoration practice that aligns with this understanding is the use of cultural burning, a traditional land management technique. This controlled, low-intensity burning, guided by Indigenous knowledge, can be applied in post-mining landscapes to promote traditional biodiversity and reduce wildfire risk. 
  • The promotion and funding of Aboriginal custodians to teach the skills of bush regeneration to younger generations.
Show Worked Solution
  • In Aboriginal culture, ‘Country’ refers to a holistic concept that encompasses not just the physical landscape, but also spiritual and cultural connections.
  • It’s a living entity that Aboriginal people have a responsibility to care for and maintain.

Restoration process (could include one of the following):

  • A restoration practice that aligns with this understanding is the use of cultural burning, a traditional land management technique. This controlled, low-intensity burning, guided by Indigenous knowledge, can be applied in post-mining landscapes to promote traditional biodiversity and reduce wildfire risk. 
  • The promotion and funding of Aboriginal custodians to teach the skills of bush regeneration to younger generations.

BIOLOGY, M4 EQ-Bank 5

Mining activities often leave significant impacts on ecosystems. Environmental scientists and ecologists work to develop and implement restoration practices to heal these damaged landscapes.

Describe two specific restoration practices commonly used in post-mining landscapes. In your answer, identify one challenge faced in the restoration process and how it might be overcome.   (4 marks)

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Restoration practices (choose 2)

  • Practice 1: Topsoil replacement involves carefully storing the original topsoil during mining operations and then reapplying it during restoration, which helps to preserve the soil’s seed bank and beneficial microorganisms.
  • Practice 2: Native species revegetation focuses on planting local plant species to re-establish the area’s natural ecosystem.
  • Practice 2: Hydrological restoration aims to re-establish natural water flows and drainage patterns disrupted by mining activities. This can involve reshaping the landscape to mimic natural contours and/or creating wetlands. 

Restoration challenge/response:

  • A significant challenge in the restoration process is soil compaction, which can occur due to heavy machinery used during mining and restoration activities.
  • This challenge can be addressed through techniques such as deep ripping, where the soil is mechanically loosened to improve its structure, or by using native plant species with deep root systems that can penetrate and gradually improve compacted soils over time.
Show Worked Solution

Restoration practices (choose 2)

  • Practice 1: Topsoil replacement involves carefully storing the original topsoil during mining operations and then reapplying it during restoration, which helps to preserve the soil’s seed bank and beneficial microorganisms.
  • Practice 2: Native species revegetation focuses on planting local plant species to re-establish the area’s natural ecosystem.
  • Practice 2: Hydrological restoration aims to re-establish natural water flows and drainage patterns disrupted by mining activities. This can involve reshaping the landscape to mimic natural contours and/or creating wetlands. 

Restoration challenge/response:

  • A significant challenge in the restoration process is soil compaction, which can occur due to heavy machinery used during mining and restoration activities.
  • This challenge can be addressed through techniques such as deep ripping, where the soil is mechanically loosened to improve its structure, or by using native plant species with deep root systems that can penetrate and gradually improve compacted soils over time.